Reds Manager Terry Francona Sets Sights on Better Defense and Smarter Baserunning

The Reds committed the fifth most errors in Major League Baseball in 2024.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) throws to first for an error moving Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Díaz (43) to second in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) throws to first for an error moving Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Díaz (43) to second in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, June 22, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
In this story:

The Reds struggled defensively in the 2024 season and it's one of the places new Reds manager Terry Francona hopes to improve heading into 2025.

"We would like to make our defense better,” Francona told Charlie Goldsmith. “We’re talking about adding good pitching (in Nick Martinez and Brady Singer). We need to catch the ball. When you give teams extra outs and extra opportunities, it’s going to be hard to be a good pitching team, also.”

The Reds were fifth in all of Major League Baseball with 96 errors last season.

Francona would also like to see the Reds improve their baserunning by being smarter while maintaining their aggressiveness.

When asked specifically about Elly De La Cruz's baserunning, Francona said there is a balance to aggressiveness and good decision-making.

“I’d rather speak in generalities and not single guys out,” Francona said. “The idea is trying to create havoc on the bases but also being intelligent. Taking that step forward will be really big for us. That’s the idea.”

However, Francona doesn't want guys to be scared to make a mistake either.

“The game is going fast, and I don’t want guys looking over their shoulders like, ‘I don’t want to mess up. That’s not a good way to play. You try to use common sense. The idea is not for me to show everyone in the whole world that I’m a task master. The idea is if we make a mistake, not to do it again.”

You can read Charlie's full article from the Winter Meetings here.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

Cincinnati Reds Star Matt McLain is Healthy, to Play in Arizona Fall League

Report: Cincinnati Reds Rule Out Six Popular Managerial Candidates

Cincinnati Reds Expected to Target Two Candidates for Manager Job, Including Former Red

Cincinnati Reds Expected to “Aggressively Pursue” Trade for 3-Time All-Star This Offseason

Three Qualities the Next Cincinnati Reds Manager Must Have

Skip Schumaker Has Key Trait Cincinnati Reds Are Looking For in Next Manager

Nine Candidates to be Next Manager of the Cincinnati Reds Following David Bell Firing

Rhett Lowder Dazzles in Final Appearance of 2024, Wraps Up Impressive First Season

Marty Brennaman Weighs in on Reds Manager Search, Believes They Should Target World Series Champion Terry Francona

Cincinnati Reds Will Have to Compete With Multiple Teams to Land Skip Schumaker

Look: No. 2 Overall Pick Chase Burns in Cincinnati Reds Uniform for First Time

Watch: Nick Krall Discusses Reds’ Decision to Fire Manager David Bell

Look: Cincinnati Reds 2025 Spring Training Schedule Released

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram


Published
Greg Kuffner
GREG KUFFNER

Greg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.