CINCINNATI, Ohio — Veteran MLB manager Terry Francona is set to make his return to the dugout as the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Sources confirmed the news to ESPN, MLB.com, and The Athletic on Thursday night. This development marks a significant milestone for the Reds, as Francona is known for his extensive managerial experience and proven track record in Major League Baseball.
Terry Francona, 65, previously managed the Cleveland Guardians from 2013 to 2023, where he compiled an impressive record of 1,950-1,672 over 11 years. He stepped down from his role last October, concluding a successful era with the Guardians. The veteran manager’s career began in 1997 with the Philadelphia Phillies, followed by a notable eight-year stint with the Boston Red Sox. Under his leadership, the Red Sox captured two World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.
Terry Francona’s 23-year managerial career has seen him guide teams to 11 postseason appearances, achieving a 44-34 record in the playoffs. In 2016, he led the Guardians to the World Series, where they faced the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling seven-game series. Although they ultimately fell short, Terry Francona’s ability to bring his teams to the brink of victory solidifies his reputation as one of the top managers in MLB history.
In addition to his managerial career, Terry Francona has 10 years of experience as a player in MLB, including a brief stint with the Reds in 1987. Throughout his playing career, he appeared in 707 games as a first baseman, outfielder, and pinch hitter, finishing with a .274 batting average. He achieved a career-high .346 batting average in 1984 over 58 games with the Montreal Expos.
Terry Francona will be taking over for former Reds manager David Bell, who was let go on Sept. 22. Bell, 52, took over the Reds in 2019 and led the team to a 77-85 record and a fourth-place finish in the National League Central division in the 2024 season. During his six seasons as manager, Bell compiled a 409-456 record and led the team to a postseason appearance during the shortened 2020 season. In July 2023, Bell signed a three-year extension, which was set to keep him with the Reds until 2026.
Terry Francona’s 1,950 career wins rank him 13th in MLB history, making him one of the most accomplished managers in the game. His arrival in Cincinnati brings a renewed sense of optimism for the Reds, as they seek to return to contention and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
With Terry as the new manager, the Cincinnati Reds are aiming for a fresh start and hoping to capitalize on his wealth of experience. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Francona’s leadership will impact the Reds’ performance in the upcoming season
