Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona is reconnecting with the game he loves by bringing in familiar faces as part of recent team developments. The addition of Chris Valaika to the coaching staff is a significant move, but just as notable is the hiring of Mike Napoli, a longtime player under Francona during their time with the 2016 Cleveland Guardians. Napoli will join the Reds in an unspecified coaching role, as highlighted by WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Napoli’s journey into coaching started with the Chicago Cubs in 2019, where he stepped in as a quality assurance coach before being elevated to first-base coach for the 2022 season. At 43, this former major league star has had quite the ride—spending 12 years in the league playing for respected teams like the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and the Boston Red Sox. Napoli not only celebrated a World Series ring in 2013 with the Red Sox, but he also earned an All-Star selection in 2012, making him a well-rounded candidate to mentor the next generation of players.
Francona’s return to baseball is a heartfelt comeback. After stepping away from his managerial role with the Guardians (partly due to health concerns) and taking a year off in 2024, he’s ready to lead the Reds. The passion for the game that initially drew Francona away from retirement is back, and it’s clear he has a vision for the future.
Cincinnati has a strategic goal in mind as they look ahead to 2025. With the aim of developing a robust core of young talent, the team has recently made headlines with a significant trade, acquiring right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals. In exchange, the Reds sent second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer away. It’s moves like these that show Cincinnati is serious about building a winning team.
Adding to the excitement, Nick Martinez is set to return in 2024 after accepting a one-year qualifying offer worth $21.05 million. The 34-year-old right-hander had a standout 2023 season, pitching 142.1 innings across 16 starts, boasting a sharp 3.10 ERA with a 1.026 WHIP. It’s players like him that can help set the tone for the club’s future success.
Looking deeper into the Reds’ minor league system, there is a wealth of potential on the horizon. They have young pitching prospects Nathaniel “Chase” Burns (22 years old), Chase Petty (21), and Rhett Lowder (23) whose hard work and development could soon lead them to the big leagues. There’s a good chance Lowder may make an impressive debut in the Reds’ starting rotation this season, while Burns and Petty could be a year or two away from making their marks.
In a bid to further solidify their infield, the Reds have added former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The road ahead for Cincinnati is about more than just infusing new talent; it’s about how Francona will lead and mold this roster of youthful exuberance into a cohesive unit.
Francona opened up about his decision to return to the field, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the opportunity in an interview with Tim Crowley of NESN. “That’s a reasonable question about why I came back, especially after such a fulfilling year away,” he remarked. “I wasn’t actively looking to manage, but when the Reds reached out and even came to my home—sitting there on my couch in my rocking chair—it struck me. I found myself thinking ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ when they were talking about the future.
The faces in the room rekindled memories from my time with the Cleveland group,” Francona continued. “It reminded me of how important it is to have a supportive network around you, especially when you’re facing challenges. I’m genuinely enjoying this experience, and it feels empowering to be back.”
It’s clear that Francona’s passion for the game runs deep, and he’s ready to inspire a new generation of players. With familiar faces and a renewed sense of purpose, the Cincinnati Reds are poised to embark on an exciting journey ahead.
