The Cincinnati Reds playoff push took an unexpected hit Saturday night when manager Terry Francona missed the game due to illness. The 66-year-old leader, who came out of retirement to guide the Reds, left fans stunned as bench coach Freddie Benavides stepped in against the New York Mets.
Reds Miss Their Leader at a Crucial Time
Francona’s absence couldn’t have come at a tougher moment. The Reds entered the weekend 70–71, six games back in the NL wild-card race and desperate for momentum. They’ve lost eight of their last ten games, and with just weeks left in the 2025 MLB season, every win matters.
Without Francona in the dugout, the Reds must dig deep. His calm, steady presence has been a constant since he joined the team. Now, the players must carry that leadership onto the field themselves.
A Legendary Career, a Timely Challenge
Francona isn’t just another manager. Earlier this year, he became the 13th manager in MLB history with 2,000 career wins. His résumé includes two World Series titles with Boston and an AL pennant with Cleveland in 2016. In Cincinnati, he’s been the face of a rebuild, giving a young roster both direction and belief.
Fans know how much Francona matters. His illness not only disrupts the dugout but also raises concern for his well-being. Baseball has already seen him step away once because of health issues. This time, the hope is that the setback is short-lived and he returns quickly.
Wild-Card Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The Reds face a brutal September schedule. After the Mets, they travel west to face the San Diego Padres, another wild-card rival. Cincinnati doesn’t hold key tiebreakers over teams like Seattle or Kansas City, which makes every game feel like an elimination matchup.
The team’s struggles are clear. Strong pitching has kept them close, but the offense hasn’t cashed in. Missed chances with runners in scoring position have turned winnable games into costly defeats. Francona’s ability to steady his hitters in high-pressure spots is exactly what the Reds need now.
Health First, Baseball Second
While fans worry about the standings, Francona’s health comes first. The Reds signed him for his leadership, wisdom, and experience, but no one can replace him as a person. For the moment, the dugout belongs to Benavides, but the organization and fan base are united in one hope: seeing Francona healthy again.
What It Means for the Reds
The Reds’ story this season is bigger than wins and losses. It’s about a franchise trying to rise again and a legendary manager pushing through every challenge. Terry Francona’s illness is a reminder of how much he means to Cincinnati, to baseball, and to this playoff chase.
If the Reds are to shock the league and claw back into the NL playoff picture, they’ll need his return. For now, the question lingers: Can the Reds survive September without the skipper who defines their fight?
