The Reds’ new coach, Terry Francona, hires a World Series champion

Francona is an old-school guy who knows his way around the modern game. He’s good with the media, which is a big deal for the Reds’ front office. He is a great storyteller and is respected throughout baseball. Tito has a good instinct for dealing with experienced and young players. He’s not afraid to hold players accountable, something the front office believes needs to improve after an underperforming 2024 season.

“He’s great with the players,” Guardians pitcher Eli Morgan told Bally Sports Ohio last year. “He stays honest with you. You feel like you can really trust him. He is good to the core. When you play for a good guy, it adds to the trust factor.”

Can the Reds win a World Series with Terry Francona?

Let’s keep the situation Francona finds himself in realistic. Even a World Series champion manager can only do so much. Especially in today’s game, where stats nerds on the front lines demanding analysis, not people, drive many of the decisions on the field. But Tito has the credibility, experience and courage to stand up to the front office when necessary. He has nothing to lose. He already has his rings.

Francona will not tolerate defeat. He is the best manager owner Bob Castellini has hired since he and his partners bought the team nearly two decades ago. We’ll see if ownership gives Francona the resources to bring championship baseball back to Cincinnati.