Terry Francona Announces Break from Cincinnati Reds, Taking a Leave of Absence for Personal Reasons
Cincinnati, OH — Terry Francona, the veteran manager with a storied career in Major League Baseball, has announced that he will be taking a break from his role with the Cincinnati Reds for personal reasons. The 65-year-old Francona, who joined the Reds as a special advisor to the front office earlier this season, made the announcement today, expressing his need to step away from baseball for a period of time to focus on his health and personal well-being.
In a statement, Francona said, “This is a tough decision for me, but after reflecting on my current situation, I believe this is what I need to do. The Reds organization has been incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful for their understanding during this time.”
Francona has been widely respected for his leadership and ability to connect with players, with previous managerial stints including successful tenures with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and Boston Red Sox, where he won two World Series titles. His brief involvement with the Reds, however, has been centered on providing guidance and insight to the organization, helping in areas such as player development and team strategy.
The Reds have expressed full support for Francona’s decision, with club president Phil Castellini offering a message of support: “Terry is not only a great baseball mind but a great person, and we respect his decision to take time for himself. We look forward to his return whenever he is ready.”
In Francona’s absence, the Reds are expected to continue their ongoing search for additional leadership in their front office, though it is unclear when Francona will return to the fold.
Francona’s break comes after a challenging season for the Reds, who have been rebuilding and working through a transition period under new management. Fans and players alike will undoubtedly be hoping for Francona’s swift return, but for now, his focus will be on taking care of himself and his personal life.
