New Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona kicked off spring training with an inspiring speech on Monday, energizing the team as they prepare for the 2025 season.
“He got all of us fired up,” pitcher Andrew Abbott told the Cincinnati Enquirer. Francona, who returned to managing after a year off, addressed over 140 people, including the entire spring training roster. The longtime Cleveland skipper’s presence already seems to be making an impact as the Reds gear up for a new chapter under his leadership.
Terry Francona’s arrival in Cincinnati is already making waves, as his spring training speech left a strong impression on the Reds’ roster.
“[The speech had] good energy but centered toward being good for the team, being good for the organization, but also being the best version of yourself as well,” pitcher Andrew Abbott said.
Bringing in Francona signals the Reds’ commitment to serious playoff contention. The three-time Manager of the Year has a track record of winning in any situation, leading the Red Sox and Guardians to two championships and three pennants. Despite often working with a limited budget in Cleveland, he guided the team to just two losing seasons in 11 years.
The Reds, who have hovered around .500 in recent seasons, last made the playoffs in 2020 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2012. FanDuel Sportsbook has set their over/under for wins at 78.5, but with Francona at the helm, Abbott sounds like he’d bet on the over.
“He wants the best for you, but he’s also gonna push you to your max and then try to get even more out of you if he can,” Abbott added.
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