Guardians' Terry Francona confirms career decision, talks future

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona confirmed on Tuesday what had been known for over a month: He's stepping down from his job for reasons related to his health. 

"I need to go home and get healthy and see what I miss about the game," Francona told reporters, according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. "I don’t foresee managing again."

Francona holds the Cleveland franchise record for the most wins earned by a manager and won the American League Manager of the Year Award for a third time after he guided the Guardians to the AL Central division title last season. However, the 64-year-old has dealt with numerous health issues over the years, and it was learned in August he needed shoulder replacement surgery and two hernias removed. 

The procedure on his shoulder is scheduled for next week.

"It’s like every winter, I’m trying to get healthy for the season and then I get beat up," Francona explained, per Mandy Bell of the official Guardians website. "I need to go get healthy for life. This lifestyle is just too difficult." 

MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post raised eyebrows when he wrote last week that fans shouldn't "bet against a Francona comeback after getting his health in order." 

It now sounds as if Francona has managed his final game at the highest level, as Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti revealed Tuesday that "Tito" will have some role with the organization down the road. Antonetti offered no specifics about that role. 

Francona led the Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, and he spent the last 11 seasons with the Guardians. Under his watch, Cleveland completed a journey to the World Series in 2016 but ultimately lost to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. Francona and the Guardians never again got that close to winning a championship, and the team finished this season at 76-86. 

Francona missed most of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season because of gastrointestinal problems and blood clots. He stepped away for the remainder of the 2021 campaign in July of that year due to his health and more recently was hospitalized this past June after he experienced lightheadedness. 

"I came here for the right reasons," Francona added about his Cleveland tenure. "I’m leaving for the right reasons and what was in between was really good."