JUST IN: Guardians Hire former Phillies, Red Sox and World Series winner as their new manager

The Reds are set to hire World Series winner as their new manager, according to sources cited by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Francona is expected to sign a three-year contract, as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, though the team has not officially confirmed the news, which is likely to be announced on Friday.

 

 

At 65, Francona returns to management after stepping down as the Guardians’ manager at the end of the 2023 season. Over his 23-year career, he has managed three teams and holds a record of 1,950 wins and 1,672 losses, including tenures with the Phillies (1997-2000), Red Sox (2004-2011), and Guardians (2013-2023). He notably led the Red Sox to World Series championships in 2004 and 2007.

Francona’s appointment comes just 11 days after the Reds parted ways with David Bell, who finished with a 409-456 (.473) record during his six seasons, never placing higher than third in the National League Central, aside from a second-place finish in the shortened 2020 season.

With emerging talents like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Spencer Steer, and Matt McLain, along with promising prospects such as Rhett Lowder, the Reds are aiming to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Francona’s track record is impressive; he transformed the Red Sox after joining in 2004, leading them to their first ALCS victory over the Yankees and ending an 86-year championship drought with a World Series title. He secured another championship in 2007 and made five postseason appearances in eight seasons.

In 2013, Francona took over in Cleveland, guiding the team to the playoffs for the first time in six years. They reached the World Series in 2016 but lost to the Cubs in seven games. He became the winningest manager in Cleveland history with a record of 921-757 and six postseason appearances over 11 years, earning three American League Manager of the Year Awards in 2013, 2016, and 2022.

After stepping down for health reasons following the 2023 season, Francona expressed a desire to return to baseball when he was feeling better. Notably, he played for the Reds in 1987 during his decade-long playing career.