Terry Francona needed some time away from baseball. A year was long enough.
One of baseball’s most beloved managers, Francona has been hired by the Cincinnati Reds, returning to a team he played for after stepping down in Cleveland following last season because of health reasons.
The Reds announced the hire Friday. Francona has agreed to a three-year contract through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028, the team said in a statement.
Francona, who won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, is replacing David Bell, fired by the Reds last month in the final days of his sixth season. Bell went 409-456 during his tenure.
Francona, who turns 66 in April, played as an outfielder for Cincinnati in 1987. He hit .227 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 102 games.
He said he was excited to join a club with Cincinnati’s history and tradition.
“I can’t wait to start meeting and interacting with these good young players of ours,”…
