Two-time World Series champion skipper Terry Francona agreed Friday to a three-year deal to manage the Cincinnati Reds.
The three-time American League Manager of the Year’s contract includes a club option for the 2028 season.
Francona, 65, stepped down as manager of the Cleveland Guardians following the 2023 campaign.
Francona compiled a 1,950-1,672 (.538) record over 23 seasons as the manager for the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-11) and the Indians/Guardians (2013-23).
During his 10-year playing career in the majors, Francona played in 102 games as an outfielder and first baseman for the Reds in 1987.
“I am so excited and honored to join an organization with the tradition and history of the Cincinnati Reds,” Francona said. “I only played one season for the Reds in 1987 but in that season, I learned that Cincinnati is a great baseball city. I want to thank (Reds principal owner and managing partner) Bob Castellini, (president of baseball operations) Nick Krall and (general manager) Brad Meador for giving me this opportunity to manage the Reds. I can’t wait to start meeting and interacting with these good young players of ours.”
Francona replaces David Bell, who went 409-456 (.473) in six seasons with Cincinnati. Bell’s only playoff appearance came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and ended in a 2-0 wild-card sweep by the Atlanta Braves.
In his first season with Boston in 2004, Francona guided the Red Sox to their first World Series championship since 1918. The Red Sox won a second World Series on his watch in 2007. He took Cleveland to the World Series in 2016, losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. His 921 wins are the most in Cleveland history.
“Terry is a future Hall of Fame manager that has experience winning with young talent,” Krall said. “I’m extremely excited that he wanted to be a Red, and he is the right person to take us towards our goal of winning a championship.”
Francona becomes the 65th manager in franchise history and the 55th since 1900. The Reds have not won the World Series since 1990.
“Terry’s proven track record speaks for itself. He is an outstanding manager who will lead our club forward,” Castellini said. “The Reds and all of Reds Country are proud to welcome Terry to Cincinnati.”
–Field Level Media
