The Dodgers and Dave Roberts are inching closer to agreeing to a new contract, with the hope that a deal can be reached by next week before the team leaves for Japan.

Alden Gonzalez writes: "Roberts and the Dodgers have been in serious talks on a new deal since around 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 leave for Japan, where they will open their season, next Wednesday."