Reds name Francona manager on 3-year contract

Terry Francona is back.

The legendary skipper was named manager of the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, agreeing to a three-year deal with a team option for 2028.

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 1950-1672 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.