Terry Francona's spring training focus will thrill Reds fans after undisciplined 2024

New Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona brings not only a Hall of Fame-worthy pedigree, including two World Series wins, but also a firm-mindedness and commitment to fundamentals, according to an interview with first-base and baserunning coach Collin Cowgill. Considering the youth on the Reds’ roster — their batters were the third-youngest group in the National League — the skipper’s focus could pay dividends starting in spring training.

The Reds desperately need a good, solid baseball mindset. The team hasn’t had a Gold Glove finalist since 2020, and Elly De La Cruz has failed to fully capitalize on his elite speed. Even with the recent acquisition of Austin Hays, the positional assignments remain uncertain. This is a team in need of a rock-solid foundation.

Terry Francona’s focus on the fundamentals could turn around a young Reds team

While nothing beats pure experience, a leader like Francona makes a massive difference in a young team. For example, when he joined a Cleveland team with the third-youngest pitching staff in the AL, he instituted a complete turnaround that ended in a postseason appearance. He leveraged a few grizzled vets, such as 32-year-olds Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, to support a roster of young stars including Yan Gomes (25), Jason Kipnis (26), and Lonnie Chisenhall (24).

Francona blends old-school strategy with a touch of analytics, most often opting to trust his gut and his players. Aside from De La Cruz, the Reds’ youngsters rarely get the fanfare they deserve, so Francona’s player-first mentality could provide the validation that the wider baseball world doesn’t give players like Hunter Greene.

Being a players’ manager doesn’t necessarily mean being all smiles. Francona also promises to hold his players accountable. He’s been praised for saying the “right thing to the right player at the right time,” and he seems eager to bring that style to the Reds, who share much in common with his early Cleveland teams.

If nothing else, Francona is bringing some prestige and gravitas to Cincy. Former big-leaguer Mike Napoli has jumped on board, and Tito protégé Dustin Pedroia may be on hand to help out as the preseason kicks into gear. That level of depth, knowledge, and leadership is just what the Reds need.

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