Dave Roberts saw questionable season-long 2025 decision validated on final WS play

With the Los Angeles Dodgers' Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays to secure their second consecutive World Series title, Dave Roberts earned his seventh victory in a winner-take-all contest. It's the most of any manager in Major League Baseball, and the final out of Saturday's victory may have provided Roberts his biggest piece of validation yet.

While the outside impression of the Dodgers is that they ruin baseball, for as much money that was spent on the roster, there were some tremendous flaws — flaws that forced Roberts to play Mookie Betts at shortstop this season.

Betts making the switch from right field had been a hot-button issue for the Dodgers all season, considering many suggested that the 33-year-old veteran was far from an ideal solution at baseball's premium position. Add in that 2025 was Betts' worst offensive season since 2017, and many pointed to added defensive responsibility as a reason for his regression.

His defensive play during the regular season all but confirmed that he was capable of handling shortstop, earning a Gold Glove nomination. And to those who like the laugh of Gold Glove nominations, Betts was also the National League representative at shortstop for the Fielding Bible Awards.

However, on Saturday night, provided a definitive answer to the debate.

With the Dodgers holding onto a 5-4 lead in the 11th inning with the Blue Jays having a runner on first and third with one out and Alejandro Kirk up, the sure-handed Betts, at shortstop, called game.

Dave Roberts gambled all year with Mookie Betts and the World Series ending just backed him up

Betts was the unsung hero in Game 6 as well. In the middle of a miserable offensive slump in the World Series, Betts' 2-run double last Friday night is what proved to be the difference, setting the stage for Game 7 on Saturday night and his double play to close out the series. He also logged two walks and scored a run.

For all the hot takes that were had about Betts as a shortstop, the fact is his first full season at the position ended with two prestigious fielding recognitions and a World Series title. Perhaps, Roberts may just know a thing or two bout what levers to pull, and Dodgers fans, eternally grateful for the team's back-to-back championship runs, have no choice but to apologize for all their belly-aching during the regular season.