Cincinnati Reds skipper Terry Francona is reuniting some of his former team in another maneuver after bringing on board Chris Valaika. Mike Napoli, who previously played for Francona during his time with the 2016 Cleveland Guardians, will be joining the Reds coaching lineup in a role that is yet to be determined, as reported by WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Napoli transitioned to the Chicago Cubs as a quality assurance coach in 2019 and was subsequently elevated to the position of first-base coach prior to the 2022 campaign. The 43-year-old veteran spent 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox, triumphing in the 2013 World Series with Boston and earning an All-Star nod in 2012.
Francona made a comeback from retirement to join the Reds. Following the 2023 season, he resigned as the Guardians’ manager due to health issues. He took a break from coaching in 2024.
Reds Setting New Course for 2025
Cincinnati possesses a promising group of youthful talents around whom they aim to develop their future. Recently, they sealed a substantial trade by obtaining RHP Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in return for second baseman Jonathan India and OF Joey Wiemer.
Furthermore, the squad will welcome back Nick Martinez in 2024 after he agreed to the team’s qualifying proposal, a one-year deal valued at $21.05 million. The 34-year-old pitcher excelled in the previous season, completing 142.1 innings across 16 starts (42 appearances) with an impressive 3.10 ERA and 1.026 WHIP.
Cincinnati boasts a trio of top-tier pitching prospects waiting in the wings of the minor-league system: 22-year-old RHP Chase Burns, 21-year-old RHP Chase Petty, and 23-year-old RHP Rhett Lowder.
Lowder stands a chance of slotting into the Reds’ starting rotation possibly as early as this season. On the other hand, Burns and Petty are likely a year or two away from making the jump to the majors.
The Reds recently inked former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal, according to New York Post’s Jon Heyman. However, the ultimate success hinges on Francona’s ability to mold this youthful roster. He elaborated on his motivation for joining the Reds, as per Tim Crowley of NESN.
“That’s a valid question (why return to baseball with the Reds) because I had a really productive year,” Francona conveyed to the press. “I was pondering my plans for the upcoming year. Managing wasn’t at the forefront of my thoughts at that time.
“However, when they reached out, performed the interview, and even came over to my place, it caught me off guard. There they were on my sofa while I was seated in my rocking chair. It amazed me that they were willing to go the extra mile. Occasionally, I caught myself slipping into ‘we’ inadvertently.
“When the team arrived, it evoked memories of my time with the Cleveland crew,” Francona reflected. “You’re always poised for challenges, even in seasons of triumph. Aligning yourself with trustworthy individuals who have your back is a comforting sensation. That’s where I find myself in life, making it all the more enjoyable.”
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