Dave Roberts Aims to Manage Team USA at the 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed a strong desire to manage Team USA during the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. In a recent interview with the California Post, Roberts stated, “I want to manage the Olympic team. That's what I want to do. In L.A., I want to manage that team.” At 53 years old, Roberts believes his background as a UCLA graduate and his experience managing the Dodgers, where he has led the team to three World Series championships since 2016, make him a suitable candidate for the role.

Dodgers' Roberts wants to manage U.S. at 2028 OlympicsDodgers manager Dave Roberts wants huge new job after leading LA to back-to-back World Series titlesDodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 OlympicsDave Roberts wants to manage in 2028 Olympics, per reportDodgers' Dave Roberts makes 2028 Summer Olympics admission

Baseball was an official Olympic sport from 1992 until 2008 and returned for the 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021 due to the pandemic. The sport was not included in the 2012, 2016, or 2024 Olympic Games. Team USA previously won a gold medal in baseball in 2000 under the management of Tommy Lasorda. The upcoming 2028 Olympics will mark the first time since 2008 that baseball will be featured, and it will take place at Dodger Stadium, a venue with historical significance for the sport.

Dave Roberts wants to manage in 2028 Olympics, per reportDodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 OlympicsDodgers' Dave Roberts makes 2028 Summer Olympics admissionDodgers manager Dave Roberts wants huge new job after leading LA to back-to-back World Series titles

While Roberts is eager to lead Team USA, the participation of Major League Baseball (MLB) players in the Olympics remains uncertain. Currently, only amateur players and those not on a 40-man roster are eligible to compete. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated optimism about reaching an agreement that would allow MLB players to participate, stating, “I am positive about it. … I think the owners have crossed the line in terms of, we’d like to do it if we can possibly make it work, but there are logistical issues that still need to be worked through.” The MLB season would need to be paused, similar to past Olympic participation by the NHL.

Dodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 Olympics

Several prominent MLB players, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, have shown interest in representing their countries at the 2028 Olympics. Harper emphasized the significance of the Olympics, stating, “The Olympics is something you dream about playing in.” This interest from top players could bolster Team USA's chances if they are allowed to compete.

Dodgers' Dave Roberts makes 2028 Summer Olympics admission

Despite Roberts' aspirations, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of MLB players participating in the Olympics. Critics point to potential disruptions in the MLB schedule and the complexities of insurance and player contracts that could hinder participation.

Dodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 Olympics

• “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, Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 Olympics

• “The WBC is great and brings a lot of people together, but the Olympics is something you dream about playing in.” — Bryce Harper, MLB Player

Dodgers' Dave Roberts makes 2028 Summer Olympics admission

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the conversation around MLB's involvement and Roberts' potential leadership of Team USA continues to evolve, highlighting both excitement and logistical challenges ahead.

Dodgers' Dave Roberts says he wants to manage Team USA in 2028 Olympics