The Cincinnati Reds parted ways with manager David Bell after finishing fourth in the National League Central with a 77-85 record last season. In search of a new manager in the offseason, Terry Francona came out of retirement to become the next Reds manager in a surprising move.
Francona, 65, did not manage in 2024 after leading the Cleveland Guardians from 2013-22. It will be interesting to see what he does with Cincinnati during the 2025 season.
Cincinnati Reds Manager Terry Francona Reveals Why He Returned
Many thought that when Francona retired after the 2023 season, he would never manage again, but they were proven wrong. The former Guardians skipper is now with the Reds and spoke with Brian Kenny and Mark DeRosa on MLB Network to further explain his decision.
The veteran manager explained why he came out of retirement to join Cincinnati, saying, “It just felt right… I like where I’m at.”
Francona is thrilled to be back in MLB with another ball club. This will be his fourth different team as a manager in his 23-year career and his 24th season in a dugout.
"It just felt right… I like where I'm at."
Terry Francona shares why he decided to come out of retirement to manage the Reds and what it was like addressing the team for the first time.@SageUSAmerica | @TMobile pic.twitter.com/9628mdfZYQ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 12, 2025
Francona previously managed the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox. With him now in Cincinnati, the Reds could become a playoff contender, especially in the unpredictable NL Central.
The last time Cincinnati reached the postseason was in 2013, when they lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Wild Card Game.
Francona has dealt with health issues in the past, and he knows that managing this Reds team will be a challenge. With only one NL Central team likely to make the postseason, the Reds will need strong performances from their rotation and lineup.
Cincinnati’s projected starting rotation includes Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Andrew Abbott. This group has the potential to be one of the better pitching staffs in the division.
Some of the key players in Cincinnati’s lineup include Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, and Gavin Lux. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Reds have the third-best odds to win the NL Central at +490. The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers have better odds, while the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates trail behind.