Terry Francona Makes Decision On Future

Throughout the season, Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona says he began to think about when the end of the line would be coming for him—when it would be time to hang it up. But the excitement of this young Guardians team has completely changed his mindset, and he's decided to stick around a bit longer.

Terry Francona will return as the Guardians manager in 2023. He noted he’s thought more about when the end of his career could be this season, but said this group energized him this year.

“I want to see that group grow. I want to be a part of that.”

— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) October 21, 2022

Francona led the young Guardians to an unexpected division title this season, and the whole experience "energized" him. “I want to see that group grow. I want to be a part of that.”

It was just a few days ago, still stinging from a Game 5 elimination to the New York Yankees in the Division Series, that Francona dropped a hint about his intentions when he said, "this needs to be a starting place for us. This can't just be a good story this year. We need to take this and go. I think we have a chance to have something really special."

The 63-year-old will now return to manage his 11th season in Cleveland, having led the club to a winning record in all but one of those years. 

He's a two-time World Series winner as manager of the Boston Red Sox (2004, 2007), and a two-time Manager of the Year (2013, 2016).

Physical issues in recent years have made it more difficult for Francona to continue doing what he loves, but his rejuvenation with their playoff run has him raring to go for 2023. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports