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 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.