Beloved former Red Sox manager shocks the baseball world by taking the Reds job

Not many things in the world of professional sports can still be considered surprises in 2024. Thursday evening provided one.

In the midst of an epic playoff game between the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets, the Cincinnati Reds exceeded expectations with a bombshell announcement. They have a new manager, and it’s a captain that Boston Red Sox fans are very familiar with.

After firing David Bell in mid-September, the Reds found themselves at a turning point as a franchise. They disappointed with a promising young core in 2024 and needed someone trustworthy to right the ship. But they shocked everyone with their choice.

According to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, the Reds are hiring long-time Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians captain Terry Francona as their next manager. Francona had already retired at the end of the 2022 season to focus on his health.

In eight years with the Red Sox, Francona compiled a regular season record of 744-552, with a postseason record of 28-17. He led Boston to its first World Series title in 86 years in 2004 and added another ring in 2007.

Few figures are more popular, not just in Boston but around baseball, than the man affectionately known as “Tito.” He is a three-time Manager of the Year (all with Cleveland) and one of the most respected managers of his time.

However, it is a surprise that Francona is getting back into the fight at the age of 65, who has battled numerous health issues. He clearly sees something special in the current Reds squad, which boasts a thriving youth movement led by All-Star Elly De La Cruz, and believes he can help them achieve future success.

Only time will tell if Francona and Cincinnati are a match made in baseball heaven. However, given the skipper’s track record, it is not advisable to doubt the experiment.

More MLB: Red Sox are prime fit for Braves’ proposed $149 million superstar who ‘won’t be coming back’