Francona’s Remarkable Season Falls Just Short of Manager of the Year Recognition
Cincinnati – In a year steeped in possibilities for the Cincinnati Reds, the absence of a Manager of the Year Award since 1999 continues to loom large. That was the last time a Reds manager, Jack McKeon, took home the honor following a 96-win season that secured a second-place finish in the National League Central. This year, however, it was Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy who captured the award, marking him as just the third manager in Major League Baseball history to win back-to-back honors, joining the esteemed ranks of Hall of Famer Bobby Cox and Tampa Bay Rays skipper Kevin Cash.
Murphy’s dominance in the voting was evident, as he received 27 out of 30 first-place votes. In contrast, Terry Francona, the Reds’ newly appointed manager, finished a close second with two first-place votes, while Phillies manager Rob Thomson rounded out the top three with one first-place nod. Francona’s votes came from writers based in Miami and Pittsburgh, highlighting the respect he garnered throughout the league in his inaugural season at the helm of the Reds.
A Season of Resurgence
Francona’s first year back in baseball, after stepping away in 2023, saw the Reds finish with an 83-79 record, propelling them back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 and marking their first playoff appearance in a full 162-game season since 2013. This achievement is significant, as it underscores Francona’s ability to guide teams to the playoffs in their first season under his leadership—a feat he accomplished previously with Boston in 2004 and Cleveland in 2014.
Despite the postseason results echoing the disappointment Reds fans have come to expect since their last playoff series victory in 1995, Francona’s influence on the organization is palpable. His managerial style and philosophy are already reverberating through the Reds’ farm system, setting a new standard for success.
Voices from the Future
Reds catching prospect Ryan McCrystal shared his thoughts on the transformative environment under Francona. “I am very, very, very excited for the future of just the Reds organization,” he said in an exclusive interview. “I think the way that Terry Francona is going about things is making everybody realize that winning is very possible. It doesn’t matter how you get the job done, as long as you get the job done.”
While Francona may have narrowly missed out on the Manager of the Year accolade, the trajectory of the Reds is undeniably upward. As the offseason approaches, the focus will shift to maintaining this momentum, ensuring the team continues to build on its recent successes and strives for further achievements in the coming years.
Manager of the Year Voting Summary
The complete results of the NL Manager of the Year voting reflect the competitive landscape of the league. With Murphy’s impressive showing, and Francona’s strong second-place finish, it’s clear the Reds are moving in the right direction, fostering hope for fans and players alike as they look ahead to the future.
