“A guy that can get them to the next level” - Reds fans hyped as Terry Francona set to become team manager over David Bell

The Cincinnati Reds are set to hire Terry Francona as their new manager for next year after missing out on the postseason, leaving fans excited about the future. Less than two weeks after firing manager David Bell, the latest reports suggest that the Reds will bring on the veteran manager ahead of the next MLB season.

While the news has not been confirmed by the club, Reds fans are already excited with the prospect of having Francona as their new manager and shared their joy over social media:

Amongst all those excited with the news, many still can't believe that Francona is making a return after one year away from the sport.

"What a hire!" wrote @YonderalonsoU on X/Twitter.

"Exciting times ahead for Cincinnati!" added @Fitgear_Central.

"Reds World Series incoming," wrote @_RyanSpringer.

Terry Francona is a former MLB player who played for several clubs over his decade-long playing career in the major leagues. Having started his career with the Montreal Expos in 1981, he went on to represent Chicago, Cincinnati and Cleveland before ending his playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1990.

As a manager, Terry Francona has an impressive resume after having managed three MLB teams over a 23-year managerial career. He started with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997 and went on to win two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox after that. He then managed the Cleveland Guardians for 10 years before stepping down ahead of the 2023 season due to health concerns.

While many viewed his departure in 2023 as his retirement from the game, the 65-year-old is reportedly feeling better after a year-long sabbatical. The only thing that remains is for the club to make an official announcement.

MLB Insider welcomes Terry Francona back with a warm message to Reds fans

Former MLB catcher and now full-time analyst on "Foul Territory", A.J. Pierzynski shared his reaction to the news. In a short video posted on X, Pierzynski said:

"He looks pretty good. He's ready, he's energized... One thing Tito does is he manages winners."

The Reds have made the playoffs just once in the past 11 years and haven't won a playoff series since 1995. Moreover, they took quite a step back in the regular season this year. Francona's objective will be to have a better regular season next year and maybe even make a run in the postseason.