Dave Roberts claims that the undefeated Dodgers aren’t even playing their best baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has long been known for his positive demeanor and confident approach to managing his team. However, his recent comments about the Dodgers’ undefeated start to the 2025 season have raised some eyebrows. In an interview, Roberts stated that despite the team’s flawless record, they weren’t even playing their best baseball yet. This bold claim provides an intriguing perspective on the team’s potential and offers insight into what the future could hold for one of Major League Baseball’s most consistently successful franchises.
A Historical Context: The Dodgers’ Consistency and Success
To understand Roberts’ claim fully, it’s important to consider the historical context of the Dodgers. Over the past decade, the Dodgers have been one of the most dominant teams in Major League Baseball. They’ve consistently posted high win totals, reached the postseason year after year, and secured a World Series championship in 2020. This success has been built on a combination of top-tier talent, solid coaching, and organizational depth.
In 2025, the Dodgers are coming off another successful campaign and have been labeled as one of the favorites to contend for another World Series title. However, even with such a strong track record, Roberts’ comments imply that the team sees room for improvement. It suggests that despite their undefeated record, the Dodgers believe they are far from reaching their peak performance.
What Does “Not Playing Their Best Baseball” Mean?
Roberts’ statement could be interpreted in several ways. Typically, a team that starts the season undefeated would be seen as playing at an extremely high level. The fact that the Dodgers, a team with so much talent, are undefeated but not yet playing their best baseball is a curious and optimistic remark. It speaks to the team’s belief in their potential, as well as the high expectations that come with wearing the Dodgers’ uniform.
Here are some possible interpretations of what Roberts meant:
- Room for Offensive Improvement
One possibility is that the Dodgers’ offense, despite its success, has yet to reach its full potential. In recent years, the Dodgers have boasted a deep and potent lineup, featuring superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Trea Turner. However, even with these elite talents, the team has occasionally struggled with consistency. If Roberts feels that the Dodgers haven’t yet clicked offensively, it could mean they are still waiting for some players to hit their stride or for their batting lineup to find the ideal balance.
Early in the season, some players might still be working through minor adjustments or may not have fully heated up. For instance, a key slugger like Max Muncy or Will Smith might be hitting below their usual standards. In this case, Roberts might believe that once the team’s offense fires on all cylinders, they’ll become an even more formidable force.
- Unrealized Pitching Potential
Another angle could be the pitching staff, which is often a critical determinant of a team’s success over the course of a season. While the Dodgers have had some elite pitchers in their rotation over the years, including names like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urías, their pitching staff has also been subject to fluctuation. Injuries, age, and unpredictable performances can sometimes affect even the best teams.
If the Dodgers are winning games while not yet getting optimal performances from their pitchers, Roberts’ statement could reflect a belief that their rotation is capable of more. Perhaps their bullpen has been effective, but not dominant, and Roberts anticipates that they’ll tighten things up as the season progresses. If the starting rotation continues to gel, or if the bullpen becomes even more lockdown, the Dodgers could be an even more overwhelming team.
- Defensive Efficiency and Fundamentals
Baseball is often as much about executing the fundamentals and maintaining solid defense as it is about offensive firepower or pitching. Despite the Dodgers’ incredible roster, there have been times when their defense has been questioned, especially when it comes to players out of position or lapses in execution. Roberts could be referring to this aspect when he says the team isn’t playing its best baseball. The Dodgers might be making the routine plays, but they could still be leaving opportunities on the table in terms of defensive positioning, turning double plays, or preventing runs from scoring.
In the grand scheme of a 162-game season, even minor improvements in defensive efficiency can lead to major wins. Perhaps Roberts is optimistic that, once his team sharpens its defensive fundamentals, they will elevate their overall level of play.
- Team Chemistry and Mental Approach
Baseball is a mental game as much as it is a physical one. While the Dodgers have a wealth of talent, team chemistry plays a huge role in ensuring that the team can maintain focus and perform under pressure. Roberts could be alluding to the psychological aspect of the game, suggesting that the Dodgers are still working to fine-tune their approach in terms of focus, mindset, and clutch performance.
The emotional resilience to fight back after a tough inning or a difficult loss can determine the fate of a season, and Roberts might see room for improvement in this area. If the Dodgers are still finding ways to win without necessarily being in their best form mentally, it bodes well for their long-term success when they do reach peak psychological performance.
The Benefits of Being Unbeaten, But Not Perfect
Roberts’ comments reveal a key trait of successful teams: the ability to focus on long-term development rather than being satisfied with short-term success. The Dodgers, despite their undefeated record, aren’t looking at their early-season results as the culmination of their effort. Instead, they’re using the undefeated start as a stepping stone to further refine their game.
This attitude is valuable for a couple of reasons:
- Sustaining Momentum
By acknowledging that they haven’t reached their peak performance, the Dodgers avoid the danger of complacency. A team that’s satisfied with its early-season success can easily fall into a lull, assuming the results will come automatically. Instead, Roberts’ statement emphasizes that the team is committed to working and improving, which can help sustain momentum throughout the season.
- Maintaining High Standards
The Dodgers have built a culture of excellence. By continually pushing themselves to be better, they set the bar high not just for themselves, but for the entire organization. This is important because it fosters a mentality of never settling for good enough, which is key for a team hoping to contend for championships year after year.
- Long-Term Success
Ultimately, Roberts’ comment points to a larger goal: winning the World Series. The Dodgers’ record is impressive, but a strong start doesn’t guarantee postseason success. The real challenge is maintaining consistency through the grind of a long season and then performing in the high-pressure environment of the postseason. Roberts’ statement suggests that the team recognizes there’s still work to be done if they hope to be the last team standing in October.
The Road Ahead: What Can We Expect from the Dodgers?
The Dodgers are undoubtedly one of the most well-rounded teams in Major League Baseball, but their potential for growth is a positive sign. As the season unfolds, we can expect them to fine-tune their offense, bolster their pitching staff, and sharpen their defense. The fact that they have the ability to win games while not yet playing their best baseball is a testament to the depth and talent of the roster.
If Roberts is right, and the Dodgers are indeed capable of playing even better, then the rest of the league should take notice. A team that is already winning without hitting on all cylinders is a dangerous one. With players like Betts, Freeman, and a deep pitching staff led by Kershaw and Buehler, the Dodgers could be a force to be reckoned with once they hit their peak.
Dave Roberts’ claim that the undefeated Dodgers aren’t yet playing their best baseball reflects both a realistic and optimistic perspective. While the team’s early-season success is encouraging, Roberts is signaling that the Dodgers are focused on continuous improvement. It speaks to their championship aspirations, their commitment to excellence, and their belief in the untapped potential within their roster. If they can harness this potential and continue to improve, the Dodgers could very well be the team to beat in 2025, and their undefeated start may be just the beginning of something special.