Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on a long-term extension, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

Roberts and the Dodgers have been in serious talks on a new deal since the start of February. Despite being far apart in some stretches along the way, the two sides are expected to lock in a new deal before the Dodgers head to Japan to open their season Wednesday.

The largest contract among managers currently belongs to Craig Counsell, who signed a five-year, $40 million deal when he left the Milwaukee Brewers for the Chicago Cubs in November 2023. Roberts' new deal has been widely expected throughout the industry to top Counsell's either in years or total value, if not both.

Roberts, 52, is heading into his 10th season with the Dodgers, which is also the final season of his contract. His deal would come on the heels of his second World Series championship in five years, including a title at the end of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

During that time, Roberts had also led the Dodgers to four National League pennants, eight division titles and a .627 regular-season winning percentage, the highest ever.

The New York Post was first to report the news on Roberts' extension.