Terry Francona

Terry Francona is a luminary figure in Major League Baseball who is set to helm the Cincinnati Reds in 2025. His journey in the realm of baseball management spans multiple teams, including the Boston Red Sox, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Cleveland Indians/Guardians. Francona's leadership capabilities shone brightly when he guided the Boston Red Sox to a glorious victory in the World Series championships in 2004 and 2007, ending an 86-year-long wait for the team. Francona's prowess as a manager was not confined to the regular season alone, his exceptional record of 744–552 in the regular season and 28–17 in the postseason with the Red Sox speaks volumes about his strategic acumen.

His accomplishments as a manager were not limited to the Red Sox. Francona, continuing his managerial career with the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, led the team to an American League pennant in 2016 and a historic 22-game win streak during the 2017 season. This winning streak stands as the longest in American League history and the second-longest in MLB history. Amidst these achievements, Francona also etched his name as the all-time leader in wins by a manager for the Indians/Guardians. His leadership capabilities were recognized when he was awarded the AL Manager of the Year three times in 2013, 2016, and 2022.

In addition to his successful managerial career, Francona possesses a rich history in baseball as both a player and a coach. He was bestowed with the Golden Spikes Award in 1980, and his contributions to college baseball earned him a place in the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. His brief stint as a broadcaster saw him serve as a color analyst for the American League Championship Series on Fox in 2011 and as an analyst on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" in 2012.