In a surprise development, the Cincinnati Reds have hired Terry Francona as their new manager, giving him a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth. Francona, a two-time W

If that wasn’t evident in the hiring of Francona, 65, a year after his so-called retirement from the Guardians – echoing the Texas Rangers’ hiring of Bruce Bochy ahead of their 2023 World Series title – it certainly was evident in how quickly the Reds moved to close a deal once Francona expressed a willingness to manage again.

Terry Francona has been hired to manage the Cincinnati Reds, returning to the major leagues a year after he stepped down in Cleveland because of health reasons.