Despite Star Power and High Expectations, Dave Roberts Voices Deep Frustration Over Dodgers’ Inconsistent and Underwhelming 2025 Season Results
Dave Roberts has never been one to shy away from holding his team accountable. As the longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, steering the franchise to multiple National League West titles, playoff appearances, and the long-awaited 2020 World Series championship. Yet in 2025, despite a roster stacked with All-Star talent and a front office that has continued to invest heavily in winning now, Roberts is far from satisfied.
In a recent postgame interview following another frustrating loss—a 4-2 defeat at the hands of a division rival—the usually composed and optimistic Roberts let some of his frustration show. “We are not where we need to be,” he said bluntly. “We have too much talent in that clubhouse to be playing this kind of baseball. It’s not about injuries, it’s not about bad luck. It’s about execution, preparation, and accountability. And right now, we’re falling short in all three areas.”
The Dodgers entered the 2025 season with World Series aspirations, as they do almost every year. With a payroll that ranks among the highest in baseball, a lineup filled with power hitters, and a rotation headlined by established arms and top prospects alike, expectations were sky-high. Shohei Ohtani’s presence, even with his limited pitching role, brought renewed energy to the team. Mookie Betts continued to be a cornerstone player, and Freddie Freeman remained a dependable force at first base. Young talent like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone were expected to step into more prominent roles, while the bullpen was bolstered with experienced arms.
But as the season passed the All-Star break, the Dodgers found themselves trailing in the NL West standings behind a surging San Diego Padres team. A string of late-game collapses, prolonged slumps from key hitters, and inconsistent starting pitching all added to the sense that something wasn’t clicking. The team, once feared for its ability to dominate in every facet of the game, has become frustratingly unpredictable.
For Roberts, that inconsistency is the most maddening part. “I’ve seen us play dominant baseball this year. We’ve gone on runs where we look like the best team in the league. But then we follow it up with stretches where we can’t string hits together, we don’t execute with runners in scoring position, and we give away games late. That’s not championship baseball.”
Roberts also pointed to a lack of urgency and energy at times. While the Dodgers have always maintained a calm, professional clubhouse culture, Roberts emphasized that being too relaxed can sometimes be a problem. “I love our guys. We’ve got great leadership in there. But sometimes I wonder if we’re playing with the edge that’s required to win it all. We’re not going to sleepwalk our way to a World Series. We need to bring intensity every night.”
His comments sparked debate among fans and media alike. Some praised his honesty, while others questioned whether his message would resonate with a team full of veterans. Still, it’s clear that Roberts sees this moment as a critical juncture in the season. If the Dodgers are going to make a serious run in October, they have to rediscover their identity—and fast.
Part of the issue has been injuries, but as Roberts noted, that’s a reality every team faces. Walker Buehler, returning from Tommy John surgery, has had an up-and-down campaign. Ohtani’s inability to pitch this season has left a void in the rotation that hasn’t been fully addressed. Julio Urías struggled early and has since been placed on the injured list. Dustin May has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency, and the bullpen has seen its share of blown saves and high-leverage failures.
Offensively, the team has been streaky. When the bats are hot, they can put up double digits with ease. But in close games or against elite pitching, the lineup has sometimes looked lost. Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani can’t do it all, and some of the younger players haven’t stepped up as hoped. Roberts has tried juggling lineups, inserting different players into key spots, and leaning on matchups, but the results have been mixed.
“We’re at the point where every game matters,” Roberts said. “We’ve got the pieces. I believe in this group. But belief has to be backed up by performance. We can’t keep talking about what we should be doing—we’ve got to go out and do it.”
One area that Roberts continues to emphasize is situational hitting. The Dodgers rank near the bottom of the league in batting average with runners in scoring position. “We’re not cashing in,” he said. “We’re getting guys on, but we’re not doing the little things to bring them in. That’s something that has to change if we’re serious about competing in October.”
Defensively, the team has also taken a step back from its usual standard of excellence. Miscommunications in the outfield, routine errors in the infield, and lapses in judgment on the base paths have all contributed to losses that Roberts believes were preventable. “Those are the kind of mistakes that championship teams don’t make,” he said. “We’ve got to clean that up.”
The pressure is certainly mounting. In a city like Los Angeles, where sports fans are passionate and unforgiving, the expectations never waver. The Dodgers’ front office has done its part, continuing to add talent via trades, free agency, and the farm system. But it’s up to the players—and Roberts himself—to put it all together.
As July progresses and the trade deadline approaches, speculation has already begun about potential moves. Could the Dodgers look to add another frontline starter or a reliable bullpen piece? Will they try to offload underperforming veterans or shake up the roster with a blockbuster deal? Roberts has deflected questions about the front office’s plans, focusing instead on the players he already has.
“I’m focused on the guys in that room,” he said. “We have everything we need to win. It’s about finding consistency, playing clean baseball, and stepping up in big moments. We’ve done it before, and I know we can do it again.”
Still, the tone of urgency in Roberts’ voice is unmistakable. This isn’t just about a midseason slump—it’s about a team with championship expectations failing to live up to them. For all of Roberts’ managerial success, there has always been criticism that the Dodgers have underachieved in the postseason. One title in a decade of dominance is seen by some as a disappointment, and fair or not, Roberts is aware of how he will be judged.
He’s not afraid of the scrutiny, though. “That comes with the territory,” he said. “I welcome it. I want to win more than anyone. And I know our fans expect the best. So do I.”
Whether this latest message serves as a wake-up call remains to be seen. The Dodgers are still in playoff contention, and with their level of talent, a hot stretch could quickly turn things around. But the window doesn’t stay open forever. As Roberts made clear, the time to act is now.
“This team has a chance to do something special,” he said. “But it’s not going to happen by accident. We’ve got to earn it. Every pitch, every at-bat, every game—we’ve got to fight. And we’ve got to do it together.”
If the Dodgers can take that message to heart and recapture the relentless focus that has defined their best seasons, they still have a shot to make 2025 a year to remember. But if not, they risk becoming another cautionary tale of potential left unfulfilled. And that, more than anything, is what Dave Roberts is desperate to avoid.
