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Cleveland Indians Extend Terry Francona Through 2022 Season

The Cleveland Indians extended manager Terry Francona on Wednesday morning. The skipper will become the longest-tenured Indian's coach after 2022.

The Cleveland Indians announced Wednesday that they have extended their manager Terry Francona through the 2022 season. This deal makes Francona the longest tenured manager in Indians team history.

Terry Francona Extended

Francona is in his seventh season at the helm of the Indians and 19th overall in his managerial career. Since 2013, the skipper has led the Indians to the best record in the American League (547-427) and the second best in Major League Baseball. Under his leadership, the team has won the past three American League Central Titles, the American League Pennant in 2016, and they have made the postseason four times.

This extension is the second that Francona has been given by the Indians. The first extension was set to expire at the conclusion of next season. He will become the longest tenured Indians manager if he completes the deal. Prior to his tenure, the record was held by Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau who managed the Indians for nine years from 1942-1950. That included the organization’s last World Series title in 1948.

Worth It?

The Cleveland Indians have not won a World Series since 1948. Can Francona break this trend? Well, he did so with the Boston Red Sox in 2004, who were under the Curse of the Bambino, and then he won another in 2007.

Francona’s overall record as a manager is 1,576-1,346 (.540), which is second best in wins for active managers. San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy has the most with 1,926. Bochy is set to retire at the end of this season, which will make Francona the winningest active coach in baseball. With three years left on his contract, he could, in theory, reach the 2,000 win mark and become the 11th coach all-time to do so. Currently, he sits at 22nd all-time for wins.

This Year

The Indians have gotten off to a slow start, dropping their first series against the division rival Minnesota Twins. Part of the reason for this is that marquee shortstop Francisco Lindor was injured in Orlando prior to spring training and could miss up to three weeks if not more. Cleveland looks to get back on track against the Chicago White Sox Wednesday at 1:10 EST.

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Alex Benner

Alex Benner

Alex Benner is a baseball writer and statistician. He has worked for multiple teams both at the collegiate and professional level such as the Florida State Seminoles and the Washington Wild Things. From central Pennsylvania, Alex is a "Yinzer" at heart, and follows Pittsburgh sports very closely. Feel free to reach out to him via Twitter @LWOS_Alex_B.

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