ESPN announced Monday night that the former Red Sox manager will be joining the network in a "multiplatform role," and he will also serve as an analyst for the network's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. Ironically, Francona fills the void left by Bobby Valentine, who left ESPN to take over for Francona as Red Sox manager.
Francona will also serve as an analyst for SportsCenter, will contribute to the network's Little League World Series coverage and will also contribute on ESPN.com.
"Terry is a brilliant baseball mind, with two World Series rings over the last eight seasons, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our team," said Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president of production in a statement. "Ted Williams for Joe DiMaggio never happened, but this is ESPN's version with Bobby moving to the Red Sox dugout and Terry replacing him on Sunday Night Baseball."
Despite a strong showing in the Fox booth alongside Joe Buck for a couple of games during the American League playoffs, Francona is ready to embrace the new challenges that await him in his new venture.
"I'm excited to join ESPN and to be able to talk about my passion for baseball with fans who love the game as much as me," said Francona. "In some ways, I'll be a rookie all over again, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
