Cincinnati Reds Part Ways with Manager David Bell After Contract Extension
The Cincinnati Reds made a surprising announcement on Sunday night, revealing that they had decided to part ways with manager David Bell. Bell, who had been at the helm of the Reds for six seasons, was under contract through the 2026 season. Despite this long-term commitment, the organization felt it was time for a change in leadership to propel the team forward.
According to Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall, the decision to move on from Bell was based on the team’s lack of success and the need to refocus on the future. The Reds currently have a record of 76-81 and sit in fourth place in the National League Central division. With only five games remaining in the season, bench coach Freddie Benavides will step in as the interim manager to finish out the year.
David Bell’s Legacy with the Cincinnati Reds
During his tenure as Reds manager, Bell compiled a record of 409-456, with his most notable achievement being guiding the team to the postseason in the shortened 2020 season. However, a shift in organizational priorities towards rebuilding led to a disappointing 62-100 season in 2022, ultimately setting the stage for Bell’s departure.
Despite showing promise with a winning season in 2023, the Reds failed to maintain their momentum in 2024, leading to the decision to part ways with Bell. His 409 wins as Reds manager rank him eighth in franchise history, while his 456 losses place him fourth overall.
Bell’s dismissal marks the third managerial change in the 2024 season, following the firings of Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners earlier in the year. The Reds are now tasked with finding a new leader to guide the team into the 2025 season and beyond.
Freddie Benavides Steps Up as Interim Manager
Stepping into the interim manager role is Freddie Benavides, a familiar face within the Reds organization. Originally drafted by the Reds in 1987, Benavides spent the first two years of his big-league career in Cincinnati before transitioning into coaching. Serving as Bell’s bench coach since 2019, Benavides brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the team to his new position.
As the Reds look towards the future, Benavides will be tasked with leading the team through the remainder of the season and potentially beyond. His leadership and guidance will be crucial as the organization evaluates its next steps in building a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.
Overall, the decision to part ways with David Bell represents a significant shift in direction for the Cincinnati Reds. As they look to turn the page on a challenging season and refocus their efforts on building a successful team, the organization will undoubtedly be closely watched as they navigate the managerial transition and prepare for the future.