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.

Team president Nick Krall, who barely knew Francona, called the two-time World Series champion from Chicago during the Reds’ off day before their final weekend series of the season.

The Cincinnati Reds made official the hiring of three-time Manager of the Year Terry Francona: "Terry's proven track record speaks for itself."