The Cincinnati Reds have hired Terry Francona to be their next manager, the team announced on Friday. Francona's contract is a three-year deal with an option for a fourth, suggesting he won't be a short-term addition to the Reds dugout. The Reds fired manager David Bell with a week remaining in the regular season.

Major League Baseball prefers any off-field news to not conflict with the playoffs. The first playoff game Monday is scheduled for 4:08 p.m. The three-time Manager of the Year, who guided two Boston Red Sox teams to world championships and the 2016 Indians to Game 7 of the World Series,

Terry Francona needed some time away from baseball. A year was long enough. One of baseball’s most beloved managers, Francona has been hired by the Cincinnati Reds, returning to a team he played for after stepping down in Cleveland following last season because of health reasons.