Terry Francona to become new manager for Cincinnati Reds after David Bell’s departure
Terry Francona may be the next Cincinati Reds manager following the departure of David Bell, according to Mark Feinsand. Though Bell reportedly signed an extension midway through last season, it seems the front office didn't take an underperforming 2024 season where the club missed out on the postseason too well.
Just 11 days after Bell's sacking came, the Reds are on to Francona to become their new manager. This will see the 65-year-old return to the dugout after he last managed the Cleveland Guardians in the 2023 season.
With a 1,950-1,672 record, managing three teams across a 23-year career, Terry Francona has served the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-2011) and Cleveland Guardians (2013-2023).
His coaching resume includes leading the Red Sox to two World Series titles and getting named AL Manager of the Year three times.
Reds executive shares reason for moving on from David Bell
David Bell, who joined the Reds before the 2019 season, had a contract that would see him leading the franchise through the 2026 season. However, the club decided to move on from Bell and had bench coach Freddie Benavides take up the interim managerial role for the final five games of the regular season.
"David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said in a release. "We felt a change was needed to move the Major League team forward. We have not achieved the success we expected and we need to begin focusing on 2025.”
For the Reds, their season was marred with injuries. Second baseman Matt McLain (left shoulder surgery) and first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand (fractured right hand) missed most of the season. Meanwhile, outfielder TJ Friedl and starting pitcher Nick Lodolo's availability were also marred with multipole injured list stints.
The front office was within their rights to expect a good season after they splurged more than $108 million in free agent signings.
After winning 3-0 against the Chicago Cubs in the final regular season game, the Reds finished their 2024 campaign with a 77-85 record, good enough for fourth spot in NL Central.