‘Just felt right’: Francona back to work with Reds

Two-time World Series champion Terry Francona said his new opportunity to manage the Cincinnati Reds “just felt right.”

The Reds were able to lure Francona out of retirement, signing him Friday to a three-year deal with a club option for the 2028 season.

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

Francona, 65, stepped down as manager of the Cleveland Guardians following the 2023 campaign, citing health reasons. He compiled a 1,950-1,672 (.538) record over 23 seasons as the manager for the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-11) and Cleveland (2013-23).

During his 10-year playing career in the majors, Francona played in 102 games as an outfielder and first baseman for the Reds in 1987, a team he said reminds him of the team he inherits.

“That talented group,” Francona said of the ’87 Reds, “reminds me a lot of the group we have here now. Talented and athletic.”

Francona replaces David Bell, who went 409-456 (.473) in six seasons as manager with Cincinnati. Bell’s only playoff appearance came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and ended in a 2-0 wild-card sweep by the Atlanta Braves.

In his first season with Boston in 2004, Francona guided the Red Sox to their first World Series championship since 1918. The Red Sox won a second World Series on his watch in 2007. He took Cleveland to the World Series in 2016, losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. His 921 wins are the most in Cleveland history.

“People talk about having fun,” Francona said Monday. “What’s enjoyable is playing the game right, and to be honest, trying to kick somebody’s ass. That’s what I consider enjoyable.”

Francona becomes the 65th manager in franchise history and the 55th since 1900. The Reds have not won the World Series since 1990.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.