Dodgers' Dave Roberts Wants to Manage Team USA at 2028 LA Olympics

Longtime Dodgers manager eyes Olympic baseball gig in his hometown of Los Angeles.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed his desire to lead Team USA's baseball team at the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be held in his hometown of Los Angeles. Roberts, who has won three World Series titles with the Dodgers, believes his experience and connection to the city make him an ideal candidate for the Olympic role.

Why it matters

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles present a unique opportunity for MLB players to participate, as the event organizers are working to schedule the baseball competition around the MLB season. Roberts' potential selection as Team USA's manager would add an extra layer of local pride and excitement to the event.

The details

Roberts, who graduated from UCLA, has managed the Dodgers since the 2016 season and led the team to three World Series championships. He believes his track record and familiarity with the city make him the perfect choice to lead Team USA's baseball team at the 2028 Olympics. However, there are still some logistical hurdles to overcome, as the Olympics have historically conflicted with the MLB season, preventing many top professional players from participating.

  • Roberts has managed the Dodgers since the 2016 season.
  • The 2028 Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles.
  • In November 2026, LA28 announced a new schedule for the baseball competition that would require only a slightly extended All-Star break from MLB.

The players

Dave Roberts

The current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has won three World Series titles with the team and is now eyeing the opportunity to lead Team USA's baseball team at the 2028 Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles.

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who has sounded increasingly optimistic that a deal can be made to allow MLB players to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“I want to manage the Olympic team. That's what I want to do. In L.A., I want to manage that team.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“(MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred has sounded increasingly optimistic that a deal could be made. A major obstacle was removed in November when LA28 announced a new schedule for its baseball, with the competition requiring just a slightly extended All-Star break from MLB.”

— Dylan Hernandez, Reporter

What’s next

MLB and the 2028 LA Olympics organizers will continue to negotiate the details of allowing MLB players to participate in the baseball competition, which could pave the way for Dave Roberts to lead Team USA.

The takeaway

Dave Roberts' desire to manage Team USA's baseball team at the 2028 Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles represents an exciting opportunity to bring together his Dodgers success and Olympic aspirations. If the logistics can be worked out between MLB and the Olympics, Roberts' selection would add an extra layer of local pride and excitement to the event.