Terry Francona explains why he took Reds job

Dec 12, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona talks to the media during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Clark-USA TODAY Sports

Terry Francona surprised most observers when he accepted the Cincinnati Reds’ managerial position. He was formally introduced to the media on Monday, and explained what went into that surprising decision.

Francona admitted Monday that he genuinely did not see himself managing again after stepping down from his job with the Cleveland Guardians at the end of the 2023 season. However, when the Reds reached out to him, he decided to meet with them, and decided it “felt right.”

Terry Francona: "I honestly didn't see myself managing again."

"I stepped away because I didn't think I was doing the job up to the caliber I thought was necessary. A lot of it was health getting in the way."

"Then, the Reds reached out. It just felt right."

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 7, 2024

“I honestly didn’t see myself managing again,” Francona told reporters. “I stepped away because I didn’t think I was doing the job up to the caliber I thought was necessary. A lot of it was health getting in the way.

“Then, the Reds reached out. It just felt right.”

The health concerns have not completely evaporated for Francona, but he clearly feels he can do the job up to his standard. A year ago, he was pretty clear with the Guardians that he no longer felt that way, but things have changed.

Francona takes over a fairly young Reds team that won 77 games last season. He will be tasked with molding the group into a genuine NL Central contender.