Cincinnati Reds Fire Manager David Bell After Six Seasons
The Cincinnati Reds have officially parted ways with manager David Bell, ending his six-year tenure with the organization. Despite being under contract through the 2026 season, the Reds' front office decided to make a change at the helm after a mixed track record under Bell's guidance.
A Rollercoaster Tenure
David Bell's stint as the Reds' manager has been marked by both highs and lows. Over six seasons, Bell accumulated a managerial record of 409 wins and 456 losses, resulting in a .473 winning percentage. His 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers, while the 456 losses rank him fourth in franchise history. Bell was the 62nd manager in the history of the Reds, a team with a storied past.
Under Bell's stewardship, the Reds experienced moments of promise, including a postseason appearance during the shortened 2020 season. More recently, the club closed the 2023 season with a winning record. However, the team struggled significantly in 2024, finishing fourth in the National League Central with a 76-81 record. The 2022 season was particularly dismal, with the Reds ending the year with a 62-100 record, one of the worst in franchise history.
The Decision to Move On
The decision to part ways with Bell was not made lightly. Nick Krall, the Reds' general manager, praised Bell's steady presence but acknowledged the need for a new direction. "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons," Krall noted. Nevertheless, the organization felt it was necessary to shift focus toward future success. "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 added.
Bell becomes the third managerial casualty of the 2024 season, following the dismissals of Pedro Grifol by the White Sox and Scott Servais by the Mariners, both of whom were relieved of their duties this past August. The Reds are now faced with the task of finding the right leader to take the team forward into the next phase of their journey.
Interim Leadership: Freddie Benavides
Stepping into the role of interim manager for the final five games of the season is Freddie Benavides, a familiar face within the Reds organization. Benavides was originally drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987 and has served as Bell's bench coach since 2019. His deep ties to the team and extensive experience within the organization make him a logical choice to guide the team through this transitional period.
Looking Ahead
The Reds' front office will now begin the search for a permanent manager who can help steer the franchise back to its winning ways. The club's leadership appears focused on setting the groundwork for a more successful 2025 season. As the team navigates this period of transition, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who the Reds choose as Bell's successor and how the new leadership will shape the team's future.
Despite the challenges and disappointments of recent seasons, the Reds remain a team with a rich history and passionate fan base. The upcoming managerial appointment will be a crucial step in defining the next chapter for the franchise, aiming to bring consistent success back to Cincinnati.