Report: Reds to hire Francona as manager
Terry Francona is back.
The legendary skipper is set to be named the next manager of the Cincinnati Reds, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Cincinnati's deal with Francona is for three years, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Inquirer.
Francona's hiring comes as a surprise. The 65-year-old stepped away from managing the Cleveland Guardians at the end of last season due to health reasons. Francona said at the time that he didn't anticipate managing again.
The Reds' reported hire is a major boost after the club underachieved in 2024, leading to Cincinnati firing skipper David Bell, who spent six seasons managing the team.
Francona is regarded as one of the best managers in MLB history. He owns a 921-757 career record across stops with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Guardians. Francona won World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. He also helped Cleveland win four division crowns in his 11 years with the organization and led the club to a World Series appearance in 2016.
The Reds have made the playoffs once (2020) in the last 11 seasons.