Three-time Manager of the Year eyeing MLB return

Cleveland Guardians former manager Terry Francona. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst has shocking update on former three-time MLB Manager of the Year

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/25/24

Longtime ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian supplied a significant on Thursday morning regarding the future of former manager Terry Francona.

Kurkjian on Francona's future, "Was told Tito is going to get healthy and then he'll be back [managing] in a year and a half...he loves the game, part of his fiber in every way, would not be shocked to see him back. "
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) April 25, 2024

"Tito" announced in early October that he was stepping down as manager of the Cleveland Guardians at age 64 after 11 seasons with the club. Francona led Cleveland to six playoff appearances during his tenure, including an AL pennant in 2016, and he also won three AL Manager of the Year Awards.

The now-65-year-old's first stint at the helm was with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 2000.

Francona then managed the Boston Red Sox for eight years from 2004-11, guiding the team to a pair of World Series titles. The franchise broke the "Curse of the Bambino" during Francona's first season in Boston, earning their first championship in 86 years.

He battled numerous health issues in his later seasons with the Guardians, leading to his decision at the end of the 2023 season.

Cleveland hired former two-time All-Star catcher Stephen Vogt as Francona's successor on Nov. 6. Vogt served one season as the Seattle Mariners' bullpen and quality control coach following his 10-year playing career.

Tim Kurkjian just now on @923TheFan on Vogt: "He has a lot of Tito in him, a tremendous sense of humor, a feel for people, he's all over everything, he's creative and has a soft side... I knew right away they got the right guy."
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) April 25, 2024