“I didn’t see myself managing again” - Terry Francona opens up about health struggles and decision to return to the dugout with the Cincinnati Reds

Despite missing the postseason, the Cincinnati Reds made headlines today by hiring Terry Francona as the team's next manager. The veteran manager agreed to a three-year contract with the Reds, including a 2028 club option. One of the winningest managers in MLB history, Francona will bring his expertise to one of the most exciting young rosters in the league.

The two-time World Series champion agreed to become the 65th manager in Cincinnati Reds history. According to Terry Francona himself, who last managed during the 2022-23 season with the Cleveland Guardians, the time he spent away from the game was crucial to his health and capacity to manage at his full ability.

Francona told reporters about his break from MLB:

"I honestly didn't see myself managing again, I had a really good year away from the game, I needed to step away."

Francona explained that while the main reason he had stepped aside was due to his health, he also felt that he was unable to perform at the level that he should have and the level that the Cleveland Guardians deserved.

"I stepped away because I didn't think that I was doing the job up to the calibre that I thought was necessary. Alot of it was health and it was getting in the way. As a manager when you start getting short and losing patience, it's not healthy. I didn't want to short-change the organization," Francona said.

Future Hall of Famer Terry Francona joins one of the most exicting young rosters in the MLB

One of the reasons why Terry Francona said that he decided to return is because of the Reds' roster, and why wouldn't he when the team has some of the most exciting stars in the game in the shape of Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz.

The Reds front office has also shown an interest in returning to the postseason, committing to several notable moves in recent years. During the 2024 campaign, the team acquired several veterans in the hopes of reaching the playoffs, including Ty France from the Seattle Mariners, and Joey Wiemer from the Milwaukee Brewers.

It will be exciting to see what Terry Francona can get out of the squad, given his championship pedigree and reputation as being one of the best managers of his generation. Currently, Francona sits 13th all-time in MLB history when it comes to managerial wins.