Cincinnati Reds Add 2-Time World Series Winner


The Cincinnati Reds came up short again this season, despite a young, exciting talent-laden roster. That result wound up in the firing of manager David Bell in late September. Now, in the hopes of taking themselves to serious playoff contention, the Reds have hired one of the great managers in baseball, Terry Francona, who brings two World Series rings to Cincinnati. 

It's a three-year contract for the man known as 'Tito' that runs through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028.

"Terry is a future Hall of Fame manager that has experience winning with young talent," Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said. "I'm extremely excited that he wanted to be a Red, and he is the right person to take us towards our goal of winning a championship."

In addition to the two World Series titles he won with the Boston Red Sox (2004, '07), he participated in another one as manager with Cleveland in 2016 only to lose in heartbreaking fashion in extra innings in Game 7 to the Chicago Cubs. 

Francona is also a three-time Manager of the Year, and is the 13th-winningest skipper in MLB history.

The Reds were expected to compete for the NL Central Division crown ahead of the 2024 season, but they stumbled to a fourth-place finish with a 77–85 record. 

Francona will now try to take thrilling youngsters like Elly de la Cruz, Hunter Greene & Co. to the promised land. 

Photo: © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images