Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona is bringing together some of his former players as part of recent team developments, following the addition of Chris Valaika. Mike Napoli, who previously played under Francona with the 2016 Cleveland Guardians, will be joining the Reds’ coaching staff in an unspecified role, as reported by WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Napoli started his transition to coaching with the Chicago Cubs in 2019 as a quality assurance coach before being promoted to first-base coach ahead of the 2022 season. The 43-year-old veteran enjoyed a distinguished 12-year career in the majors, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox. He was part of the Red Sox team that won the World Series in 2013 and earned an All-Star selection in 2012.
Francona made a return to baseball after stepping back from retirement to join the Reds. He departed from the Guardians’ managerial role following the 2023 season due to health concerns, taking a year off from coaching in 2024.
Reds Charting a Path for 2025
Cincinnati is looking to cultivate a strong core of young talent for its future. Recently, they completed a significant trade, acquiring RHP Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer.
Additionally, the team will be welcoming back Nick Martinez in 2024 after he accepted the club’s qualifying offer, a one-year deal worth $21.05 million. The 34-year-old right-hander had a standout season last year, throwing 142.1 innings in 16 starts (42 appearances) with an impressive 3.10 ERA and a 1.026 WHIP.
In their minor league system, Cincinnati boasts a strong trio of pitching prospects: 22-year-old RHP Chase Burns, 21-year-old RHP Chase Petty, and 23-year-old RHP Rhett Lowder.
Lowder has a chance to break into the Reds’ starting rotation potentially this season, while Burns and Petty are expected to be a year or two away from making their major league debuts.
The Reds have also recently signed former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The overall success of the team will depend on Francona’s ability to shape this youthful roster. He shared his reasons for taking on the Reds manager role, elaborating on it in an interview with Tim Crowley of NESN.
“That’s a reasonable question (about why I came back to baseball with the Reds) because I had a fulfilling year,” Francona stated to the media. “I wasn’t actively thinking about managing at that time.
“But when they reached out to me, conducted the interview, and even came to my home, it was unexpected. There they were on my couch as I sat in my rocking chair. It was impressive to see them go the extra mile. I found myself slipping into ‘we’ from time to time.
“When the team came over, it brought back memories of my time with the Cleveland group,” Francona noted. “You’re always ready for challenges, even in the best of times. There’s a comforting feeling in surrounding yourself with trustworthy people who support you. That’s where I am right now, making this experience even more enjoyable.”
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