Terry Francona opens up about decision to manage Reds

The news was surprising given the fact that Francona, 65, stepped away from baseball following the 2023 season as manager of the Cleveland Guardians for health reasons. A year removed, the Reds were able to sign Francona to a three-year deal and a club option for the 2028 season. 

Speaking at his introductory news conference on Monday, Francona shed some light on his decision to come out of retirement to become the Reds manager.

"I honestly didn't see myself managing again," Francona said, via ESPN. "I had a really good year away from the game. The Reds came out to visit and it just felt right."

One of Francona's focal points is putting emphasis on accountability, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.

"I firmly believe that players enjoy being coached, as long as there is always a solid reason and you're ultra organized. And that we will be," Francona said. "My promise to the organization and to the fans is I will spend all my energy ensuring they spend all of their energy trying to play the game correctly and with respect."

The announcement comes on the heels of the Reds firing David Bell on Sept. 22 with just a week left in the regular season. Bell compiled a 409-456 (.473) record during his six seasons as manager of the Reds organization. 

One factor that may have led to Francona's decision is his time as a player for the Reds in 1987. Francona said the talent and athletic ability of that team "reminds me a lot of the group we have here now." 

Despite the Reds finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 77-85 record, it is hard to argue the level of talent on the team. There's shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who led the team in home runs (25), hits (160), and recorded a whopping 67 stolen bases, RBI leader Spencer Steer and second baseman Jonathan India, just to name a few. The Reds also possess a lot of young pitching talent, led by strikeout leader Hunter Greene.

In his career as a manager, Francona has put together a 1,950-1,672 (.538) record, winning World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. 

Despite a year away from the game, Francona seems eager to join the Reds and perhaps take advantage of the similarities he sees between the current roster and the 1987 team he played for.