Dodgers pick up 2019 option for skipper Dave Roberts

Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have exercised the 2019 option on manager Dave Roberts' contract.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman announced the move on Wednesday. Roberts, 46, led the team to a 92-71 record in 2018, including its second consecutive National League pennant. The Dodgers fell to the Boston Red Sox in five games during the 2018 World Series.

"We exercised the option and we remain optimistic about working something out long term," Friedman told reporters at the General Managers Meetings, according to MLB.com. "The reason that we slowed it down a little bit is that we've had coaching staff decisions to make and interviews and it speaks more to the optimism that we have that something is going to definitely get done and it allows us to focus on what we need to near term."

"Player personnel decision are front and center right now. They have to be. And we have to figure out staffing and prioritize what to attack first."

The move came after the National League West franchise lost general manager Farhan Zaidi to the San Francisco Giants, third base coach Chris Woodward to the Texas Rangers' manager position and hitting coach Turner Ward to the Cincinnati Reds.

Friedman said the Dodgers are still working with Roberts on a multi-year contract.