Francona Says Reds Must Improve Before 2027
The Cincinnati Reds manager spoke on Reds Hot Stove about the team's need to get better after a 75-87 season.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Baseball
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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said the team must improve before the 2027 season after finishing 2026 with a 75-87 record and missing the postseason. Francona made the comments Thursday on Reds Hot Stove in response to a question from host Jim Day about his message to fans.
Why it matters
The Reds' losing season and the expected absence of Hunter Greene in 2027 put pressure on the club to rebuild its competitive standing. The comments come as a potential MLB lockout looms, which could affect the offseason and roster planning for Cincinnati.
The Reds finished the 2026 season with a 75-87 record and missed the postseason, a result that frames the team's need to improve. The extraction does not specify the roster moves or timeline Francona has in mind for the 2027 season.
The players
Terry Francona
Terry Francona is the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, a veteran baseball manager known for his long career leading major league clubs.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the oldest professional baseball clubs in the United States.
The details
Francona made the statements during Thursday's appearance on Reds Hot Stove, responding to host Jim Day's question about his message to fans. Hunter Greene is expected to miss the entire 2027 season, adding to the team's roster questions heading into next year.
Timeline
2026 season: Reds finished 75-87 and missed the postseason.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Francona spoke on Reds Hot Stove.
December 1, 2026: A potential MLB lockout could begin.
2027 season: Hunter Greene is expected to miss the entire season.
Season Trajectory
The Reds' 75-87 finish and missed postseason place the club below contention as Francona calls for improvement. The approaching December 1 lockout deadline could further shape how quickly the team can address its roster needs for 2027.
The Reds' 75-87 record and missed postseason mean the club enters the offseason needing roster changes to compete. Fans should watch whether the potential December 1 lockout delays those moves.
The takeaway
The Reds' manager has made clear the club must get better after a losing 2026 season, and the coming lockout deadline could shape how quickly that happens. Readers following Cincinnati baseball should track offseason roster decisions closely.
What happens next
A potential MLB lockout could begin on December 1, 2026, which may affect the Reds' offseason roster moves.
Further reading
Explore more Cincinnati Baseball coverage to follow the Reds' path toward 2027.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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Would you attend more Reds games if the team improves next season?
