Dodgers Manager Surprised by Offseason Signings

Dave Roberts admits to being caught off guard by the team's additions of Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that he was surprised by the team's aggressive offseason moves, which included signing star closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency. Despite the Dodgers already having a talented roster, Roberts said the team's ownership group was determined to keep improving the squad and gave the front office the green light to pursue top free agents.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have been one of the most dominant teams in baseball over the past few years, winning three championships this decade. By adding elite talents like Diaz and Tucker, the Dodgers have further strengthened an already formidable roster, making them an even more daunting opponent for the rest of the league.

The details

Roberts said he was "a little bit" surprised by the Dodgers' offseason moves, noting that the team's ownership group, led by Mark Walter, was highly competitive and wanted to keep improving the roster. The front office, including president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes, then pursued and landed Diaz and Tucker, two of the top free agents on the market.

  • The Dodgers signed closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency this past offseason.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has led the team to three championships in the past decade.

Mark Walter

The owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is highly competitive and wants the team to keep improving.

Andrew Friedman

The president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who oversees the team's front office.

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who works closely with Friedman on roster decisions.

Edwin Diaz

A star closer who the Dodgers signed in free agency this offseason.

Kyle Tucker

A talented outfielder who the Dodgers also signed in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I was a little bit (surprised). I think that, you know, at the outset of the offseason I liked our ball club looking out. But Mark Walter, our ownership group, is very competitive and wants to be great. I think that he obviously communicated that to Andrew (Friedman) and Gomer (Brandon Gomes) and said, 'Hey, if there's an opportunity to hang around the backboard on Edwin and Kyle Tucker then let's be players. That's kind of how the offseason played out.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (MLB Network Radio)

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to win their third consecutive World Series championship in 2026 with their newly bolstered roster.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' aggressive offseason moves to sign top free agents like Diaz and Tucker, despite already having a talented team, demonstrate the organization's relentless pursuit of excellence and their determination to remain the team to beat in Major League Baseball.