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The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they have hired Terry Francona, aged 65, as their new manager. This decision comes exactly one year after Francona left the Cleveland Guardians due to health issues, concluding a record-setting tenure with the franchise.

Francona, a three-time Manager of the Year, is celebrated for leading two teams of the Boston Red Sox to world titles and for taking the Cleveland Indians to Game 7 of the World Series in 2016. He has signed a three-year deal with the Reds, which includes an option for 2028, after a swift hiring process that began just 11 days post the dismissal of David Bell.

“Terry is a future Hall of Fame manager with experience in winning with young talent,” Reds team president Nick Krall expressed in a statement. “I’m thrilled he chose to join the Reds, and he is unquestionably the right fit for us as we aim for a championship.”

In his 23 seasons managing the Philadelphia Phillies, Red Sox, and Indians/Guardians, Francona has amassed 1,950 wins, placing him 13th on the all-time managerial victories list, and setting a Cleveland record with 921 wins over eight seasons.

Francona’s successful background was highlighted by Reds owner Bob Castellini, who said, “Terry’s established track record speaks for itself.”

Francona has notched 90 wins as a manager on 12 occasions and has led his teams to the playoffs 11 times, with a regular-season winning percentage of .538 and a postseason winning rate of .564 (44 wins to 34 losses).

“I am truly excited and honored to be part of an organization with the rich tradition and history of the Cincinnati Reds,” Francona mentioned in a statement released by the team. “Although I only played with the Reds for one season in 1987, it was then that I recognized Cincinnati as a wonderful baseball city.”

Francona inherits a promising young team that faced challenges, resulting in a disappointing 2024 season after a surprisingly competitive showing in 2023. The roster includes emerging star pitchers like Hunter Greene and energetic shortstop Elly De La Cruz, both making their first All-Star appearances in 2024.

“I am eager to start meeting and connecting with our talented young players,” Francona added.