Terry Francona is the best candidate the Cincinnati Reds could hire as their next manager

Terry Francona would be a fantastic choice as the next manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Let’s start with the obvious reason why: He’s an absolute legend. Francona led three different teams over the course of 23 years. He reached the playoffs eleven times, won two World Series titles and three American League pennants. He did not have a losing season between the Red Sox and Guardians from 2004 to 2020 (with a year off in 2012).

Marty Brennaman is also a big fan of Francona. Of course, he doesn’t make the decision, but at least Brennaman’s opinion reinforces belief in the two-time World Series champion.

Related: Four candidates the Reds should target as their next manager

The concerns about winning Francona revolve around two things: availability and acceptability.

Is he actually ready to return to the game? He left Cleveland after the 2023 season for health reasons. While Tim Kurkjian reported back in April that Francona was interested in returning to management, Kurkjian said the words “in a year and a half.”

Is he ready to return to the big leagues early?

The buy-in part of this equation doesn’t come from him, but from the Reds’ management/ownership. Francona will want a lot more control than David Bell ever had. He will probably need some sort of guarantee that the Reds won’t jump ship and cut the squad while he’s here. I agree he gets all that, but is it the Reds?

Francona would be a fantastic addition for so many reasons, but chief among those reasons is that it would send a message from the owners that they are serious about investing in a winning ball club.

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