Francona has spent 23 years as a manager in the big leagues, racking up a record of 1,950-1,672, three Manager of the Year awards, three pennants (2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox, 2016 Cleveland Guardians) and two World Series titles (2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox).

Francona, who won two World Series with the Red Sox, stepped away after last season following a stint with the Cleveland Guardians.

In the immediate aftermath of David Bell’s firing as Cincinnati Reds manager with a week left in the season, as players began to talk about what comes next, one name resonated among possible next managers.