Former Guardians manager Terry Francona signs 3-year contract with Cincinnati Reds
(WJW) — The Cincinnati Reds announced Friday morning they have signed former Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona to a three-year contract. He will be formally introduced as the team’s manager on Monday morning at Great American Ball Park.
Francona, 65, retired at the end of the 2023 season after 11 years leading the Guardians.
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The Reds hired Francona 12 days after firing manager David Bell who spent five years with the club. Francona has agreed to a three-year contract through 2027, with a club option through 2028, according to the Reds organization.
#Reds officially announce the hiring of Terry Francona as the club’s new manager.
Tito agreed to a 3-year contract with a club option for 2028.@fox8news— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) October 4, 2024
The Reds announced the hiring news on their website and social media accounts Friday morning after reports started surfacing Thursday.
“I am so excited and honored to join an organization with the tradition and history of the Cincinnati Reds. I only played one season for the Reds in 1987, but in that season I learned that Cincinnati is a great baseball city,” Francona said, in a post shared on X.
Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona waves to the band before the playing of the national anthem for the team’s baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona, left, bumps fists with starting pitcher Shane Bieber, right, before the team’s baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona gestures following a tribute video before the team’s baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Cleveland. Although he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, Francona is expected to do so formally early next week. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona smiles following a tribute video before the team’s baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Cleveland. Although he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, Francona is expected to do so formally early next week. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Francona has managed three teams over his 23-year career, MLB.com reported, including the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 2000, the Boston Red Sox from 2004 to 2011 and the Guardians from 2013 to 2023.
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He left Cleveland as the winningest manager in club history, with more than 900 wins and six postseason berths, including a World Series run in 2016.
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