Terry Francona’s coaching career: A look into the former Guardians manager's achievements as he embarks on a new journey with Cincinnati
Long-time manager Terry Francona is set to return to the MLB as per latest reports that the Cincinnati Reds have signed him. The Reds regressed from a 82-80 season in 2023 to a 77-85 season in 2024. That resulted in manager David Bell getting fired by the franchise after six years.
Francona is a veteran manager with 23 years of experience in the major leagues, along with two World Series titles. Here's a look at his achievements over the years.
Terry Francona is a former MLB player who spent 10 seasons playing in the major leagues. After starting his career with the Montreal Expos as an outifleder in 1981, he went on to play for other teams, including the Reds in 1987. He ended his playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1990 and started his coaching stint soon after.
In 1997, Francona was appointed the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent four seasons with a 285-363 record. His most successful record as manager came with the Boston Red Sox during eight seasons (2004-2011) leading them to two World Series titles and a 744-552 overall record.
Francona then managed the Cleveland Guardians for 11 seasons (2013-2023) where he had a 921-757 record, leading them to the postseason six times. He took them to the World Series in 2016, where they lost to the Chicago Cubs.
Francona, who won the Manager of the Year award three times, stepped down from his position after the 2023 season due to health reasons, leading many to believe it was the end of his MLB managerial career.
Terry Francona opened up on his health issues before appointment as Reds manager
Just days before it was revealed that he will be the next Cincinnati Reds manager, Terry Francona, on the Pitch and Moan podcast, discussed his health issues that made him step down as Cleveland Guardians manager.
"It was a big decision (to step away last October), but I think it was necessary," Terry Francona said of his past year off. "And I'm glad I did it."
Since he stepped away from the MLB, Francona has undergone surgeries to replace his right shoulder and repair a double hernia. However, he now returns in good health and ready to manage a team with some of the best young talents in the major leagues.