As momentum builds toward Major League Baseball players potentially appearing in the Olympics for the first time, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly positioned himself as a candidate to lead Team USA at the 2028 Summer Games.

Roberts told The California Post that managing the American Olympic team in Los Angeles is something he strongly hopes to do, especially with baseball scheduled to be played at Dodger Stadium.

For the longtime Dodgers skipper, the opportunity would combine his professional career, personal history, and international baseball experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

A UCLA graduate who has spent the last decade managing the Dodgers, Roberts sees the fit as natural.

He has already guided a clubhouse filled with global superstars and believes his background aligns with the moment the Olympics return to Southern California. Roberts also brings prior experience wearing “USA” across his chest, having competed in the 1999 Pan American Games.

That tournament helped qualify the United States for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the Americans ultimately won gold under legendary Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda.

Beyond his résumé, Roberts’ personal background mirrors the diversity of Los Angeles itself. The son of an African American father and a Japanese mother, he has frequently spoken about representation in baseball.

His connection to service also runs deep as his late father, Waymon Roberts, spent three decades in the U.S. Marines.

The potential presence of MLB stars would significantly elevate the Olympic tournament. Players such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have already expressed interest in participating should an agreement be reached.

Historically, MLB has not paused its season for Olympic play, leaving Team USA rosters composed largely of amateur and minor league players, while countries like Japan have consistently fielded professionals.

That precedent may change in 2028. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has recently expressed optimism that a deal can be struck between the league, the players’ union, and LA28 organizers.

A major step forward came in November when Olympic officials unveiled a revised baseball schedule that would require only a slightly extended All-Star break.

Under the proposed plan, Olympic baseball would run from July 13 through July 19, allowing MLB to potentially retain its traditional mid-July All-Star Game.

If finalized, the path could be cleared for a star-powered Team USA roster — and for Roberts to manage Olympic baseball on home turf.

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