Terry Francona is seemingly feeling higher.
One yr after the longtime supervisor stepped down from his post with the Cleveland Guardians, the Cincinnati Reds employed him as their new supervisor, making it official on Friday. Francona agreed to a three-year contract by way of the 2027 season, with a membership choice for 2028. The Reds fired manager David Bell last month after six seasons.
Francona’s exit from Cleveland was introduced as a retirement amid well being considerations for the 65-year-old. Francona went so far as saying that he did not see himself managing once more, although he additionally appeared to depart some doorways open, through MLB.com:
“I by no means was actual involved in regards to the phrase ‘retire’ as a result of I assume whenever you say ‘retire,’ it’s such as you’re going dwelling and never doing something,” Francona mentioned. “I do know I have to go dwelling and get wholesome and see what I miss about our recreation. After which possibly after a while, see one of the simplest ways to possibly quench that urge for food, no matter it’s.
“I don’t foresee managing. Once more, I don’t have a crystal ball. No person does. As a result of if I used to be gonna handle, I like doing it right here. However I additionally don’t wish to simply flip away from the sport.”
One yr later, Francona is leaping again into MLB, with the opposite crew in Ohio. The Reds would be the fourth crew he has led in a managerial profession that goes again to 1997.
Francona brings a résumé that no different Cincinnati candidate may match. He holds a 1,948-1,670 file over 23 years, with two World Sequence titles with the Boston Purple Sox, one other AL title with the Guardians and three Supervisor of the 12 months awards.
He can be tasked with bringing comparable outcomes to a crew that has reached the playoffs as soon as previously 11 years and hasn’t gained a playoff collection since 1995. The Reds took a notable step back this season, going from 82-80 in 2023 to 77-85 in 2024.
The Reds aren’t with out expertise, although. Elly De La Cruz has develop into one of many faces of MLB, and Hunter Greene was among the best pitchers within the NL this season. Behind them, there’s so much to work on. That mentioned, the Reds have some younger expertise coming, with the No. 14 farm system in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
