In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Reds have parted ways with manager David Bell after six years at the helm. Bell, who was under contract through the 2026 season, leaves behind a managerial record of 409-456 (.473). His tenure included a postseason appearance in the shortened 2020 season and a recent winning campaign in 2023. However, the team's struggles in 2024, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the National League Central with a 76-81 record, ultimately led to his dismissal.
David Bell’s Tenure
David Bell took charge of the Reds as the 62nd manager in franchise history. His 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers, but his 456 losses rank fourth in the same category, reflecting the mixed results over his six-year stint. Despite these figures, Bell provided essential stability in the Reds clubhouse during his tenure. As General Manager Nick Krall noted, "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons."
Bell's leadership saw ups and downs, including a challenging 62-100 record in 2022. However, he managed to guide the team to the postseason in the 2020 season, demonstrating his capability to lead under extreme conditions. The team experienced a resurgence in 2023, ending the season with a winning record, a sign of Bell’s positive influence. However, the momentum did not carry into 2024, leading to his eventual release.
Reasons for the Change
The decision to move on from Bell comes as the Reds prepare to refocus their efforts for the upcoming seasons. "We felt a change was needed to move the major-league team forward. We have not achieved the success we expected, and we need to begin focusing on 2025," Krall explained, shedding light on the front office's rationale.
Bell’s dismissal also marks the third managerial change in the 2024 season, following the departures of Pedro Grifol from the White Sox and Scott Servais from the Mariners in August. The trend suggests a growing shift among major league teams to recalibrate leadership in pursuit of better results on the field.
Interim Leadership
Stepping in as the interim manager for the final five games of the season is Freddie Benavides. A familiar face within the organization, Benavides was drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987 and had been serving as Bell’s bench coach since 2019. His long-standing association with the team and his recent coaching experience make him a logical choice to guide the team through the season's conclusion.
Looking Ahead
The Reds now turn their attention to finding a permanent successor who can steer the franchise back to consistent success. As they set their sights on the 2025 season and beyond, the front office will be focused on finding a leader who can maximize the talent on the roster and build on the foundations laid by Bell.
The search for a new manager and the direction taken during the off-season will be critical in determining the Reds' prospects moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the franchise navigates this pivotal period.
While the Reds bid farewell to David Bell, his contribution to the team over the past six years will be remembered. His tenure showcased moments of promise and resilience, setting the stage for what the organization hopes will be a new era of sustained success.