Terry Francona to Retire?

Terry Francona to Retire?

06 September, 2023

A top MLB manager in recent memory is poised to put his cleats away. According to MLB Network Radio, Terry Francona, the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, said that he would call it quits after the 2023 MLB season.

Francona made his plans very clear by saying, “I’ve been pretty clear with the guys that I’ve worked for and told them to start preparing because it’s time,” without actually saying, “I’m retiring.”

In detail, Francona replied:

“I think I’ve been pretty clear with people. I don’t want to have the last month be a sendoff or a pity party. That’s not how I feel. But it’s time. My body is telling me that. My head is telling me that. And I don’t want to stay on for the wrong reasons. I hope I have too much respect, for not just the game, but for this organization to do that. So I’ve been pretty clear with the guys I work for and told them to start preparing ’cause it’s time.”

That sounds fairly conclusive. Francona is probably going to retire after the 2023 season. If this is the end for him, he’s had a hell of a run. Francona was hired by the Boston Red Sox in 2004 after putting up mediocre numbers with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 2000. He then guided the franchise to its first World Series victory since 1918. Francona played for Boston for eight seasons, compiling a 744-522 record. In 2007, he helped the team win another World Series, and following the 2011 season, he announced his departure from the Red Sox, saying the group required “a new voice.”

Francona was employed in Cleveland after a year away. He has guided the Guadians to six postseason berths in his 11 seasons with the team. In 2016, the team made it to the World Series but lost to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. Francona had a 911-743 career record with the Guardians as of Tuesday.

Francona has no chance of winning the World Series with the Guardians in 2023. As of play on Tuesday, the team had a record of 66-72, was 10.5 games out of the last American League wild-card slot, and was six games back of the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central standings. If a magical run doesn’t happen, the squad will probably not make the postseason.

It’s unclear if Francona, 64, has officially retired from management. After some time away, he could make his way back to the bench, just like he did after leaving the Red Sox. Additionally, this might be it. Francona may believe it’s time to unwind at home after a few hospital stays during the regular season in previous years.

The Hall of Fame could be the next stop after Francona is completed. Francona has a.539 winning percentage over his 23-year career as a manager. He assisted the Red Sox in ending their World Series curse and, a few years later, led them to yet another title. He couldn’t accomplish the same with the Guardians, but the group achieved great things under his direction.