Athletics' Kotsay Pitches to Join Dodgers' Roberts on 2028 Olympics Coaching Staff

A's manager hopes to reunite with former teammate on Team USA's baseball squad.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Athletics manager Mark Kotsay has expressed his desire to join Dave Roberts' coaching staff for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where baseball will make its return to the Games. Kotsay, who won a bronze medal with Team USA as a player in 1996, believes his experience and success with the A's could make him a valuable addition to Roberts' Olympic squad.

Why it matters

Kotsay's pitch to join the 2028 Olympics coaching staff represents an opportunity for the longtime MLB player and manager to return to the international stage and potentially earn another medal, this time as a coach. It also highlights the growing emphasis on winning that the Athletics organization may place on their team once they relocate to Las Vegas, as Kotsay could use the Olympics as a platform to further showcase his coaching abilities.

The details

Kotsay, who has managed the Athletics since 2022, has a record of 255-393 with the team. However, the organization has prioritized their upcoming move to Las Vegas over immediate on-field success. In 2025, the A's took a step forward with a 76-86 record. Kotsay believes that by 2028, when the Olympics are held at Dodger Stadium, the Athletics will have a renewed focus on winning, which could make him an attractive candidate to join Roberts' coaching staff.

  • The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.
  • Baseball will make its official return to the Olympic program at the 2028 Games.
  • Kotsay won a bronze medal with Team USA as a player at the 1996 Olympics.

The players

Mark Kotsay

The current manager of the Oakland Athletics, who is hoping to join Dave Roberts' coaching staff for the 2028 Olympics baseball team.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has expressed interest in managing the U.S. Olympic baseball team in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“I know Doc has already thrown his name in the hat to manage that club. 'Hey Doc, if you're watching this or hearing this, bring me on your staff.' I'd love that opportunity.”

— Mark Kotsay, Athletics Manager (Foul Territory)

What’s next

Kotsay and Roberts will likely continue discussions about the potential for Kotsay to join the U.S. Olympic coaching staff as the 2028 Games approach. The composition of the Olympic baseball team's coaching staff will be an important decision for Team USA as they look to field a competitive squad.

The takeaway

Kotsay's pitch to join the 2028 Olympics coaching staff under Roberts represents an opportunity for the veteran manager to return to the international stage and potentially earn another medal, this time as a coach. It also highlights the growing emphasis on winning that the Athletics organization may place on their team once they relocate to Las Vegas, as Kotsay could use the Olympics as a platform to further showcase his coaching abilities.