The Cincinnati Reds have made a decisive change in leadership, parting ways with manager David Bell after a tenure that spanned six years. Bell, whose contract extended through the 2026 season, leaves the club with a management record of 409-456, equating to a .473 winning percentage.
A Mixed Record at the Helm
Bell's time with the Reds was marked by both high points and significant challenges. Hired as the 62nd manager in franchise history, Bell guided the team to a postseason berth during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Under his stewardship, the Reds concluded the 2023 season with a winning record, offering a glimpse of potential that the front office hoped to build upon.
However, the success was fleeting. The 2022 season saw the Reds struggling to a 62-100 finish, and while there was a slight rebound in 2023, the team's performance dipped again in 2024. They ended the season in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record, a far cry from the success anticipated by the fans and the organization alike.
Decision to Make a Change
This inconsistency ultimately led to the decision to make a change. Reds General Manager Nick Krall acknowledged Bell's contributions, saying, "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons." Yet, the need for progress was evident. Krall added, "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."
Bell's 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers in terms of total victories, but his 456 losses rank him fourth in franchise history for managerial defeats. This stark contrast underscores the cyclical nature of the Reds' performance during his tenure. Despite moments of promise, sustained success proved elusive.
Interim Manager Freddie Benavides
To navigate the closing stages of the season, the Reds have appointed Freddie Benavides as the interim manager for the final five games. Benavides, who was drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987, has been a steady presence in the dugout, serving as Bell's bench coach since 2019. His familiarity with the team and experience within the organization position him well to steer the ship through this transitional period.
Wider Managerial Shake-ups
Bell's departure marks the third managerial change of the 2024 season, following the dismissals of Pedro Grifol by the White Sox and Scott Servais by the Mariners in August. These moves reflect a broader trend of teams taking decisive actions in hopes of resetting their trajectories for the future.
As the Reds look ahead to new leadership and the promise of the 2025 season, the organization and its fans can reflect on Bell's tenure as a period of both turbulence and tenacity. His efforts to cultivate steadiness and resilience within the clubhouse provided a foundation that the next manager will undoubtedly seek to build upon.