Two-time World Series champion returns to MLB

Two-time World Series-winning manager Terry Francona is returning to MLB.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and other reports, Francona is being hired to be the next manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He will replace David Bell, who was fired after the season despite just signing a contract extension that ran through 2026.

Francona has managed three different MLB teams and stepped away from the Cleveland Guardians after 2023 due to multiple health issues. Now he will be back in a clubhouse after a year away.

The 65-year-old Francona won the World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. He later managed Cleveland from 2013-2023 and won AL Manager of the Year three times. The Guardians won the AL Central four times and reached the playoffs six times under Francona.

Francona has long been regarded as an excellent manager who has tremendous rapport with his players. But health issues have kept him from managing in recent years.

Francona missed the entire 2020 season due to a blood-clotting issue. In 2021, he had to step away for a major part of the season because of his health, leading DeMarlo Hale to take over as acting manager.