The Cincinnati Reds have taken a significant step in reshaping their future by firing manager David Bell. This decision marks the end of Bell's six-year tenure with the organization, which saw moments of promise but ultimately fell short of sustained success.
Bell, who was under contract through the 2026 season, leaves the Reds with a managerial record of 409-456 (.473). During his time, he led the team to the postseason in the shortened 2020 season but could not carry that momentum forward in subsequent years. The Reds concluded the 2023 season with a respectable winning record under Bell's guidance, yet they struggled in 2024, ultimately residing in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record.
A Search for Consistency
The Reds' decision to part ways with Bell comes after a series of inconsistent performances and unmet expectations. Despite a winning season in 2023, the team failed to build on that success in 2024. This inconsistency was highlighted by the Reds’ 62-100 record in 2022, which stood in stark contrast to their playoff appearance in 2020.
Nick Krall, the Reds' president of baseball operations, emphasized the need for a new direction. "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons," Krall stated. "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."
Interim Leadership
With Bell’s departure, bench coach Freddie Benavides will step in as the interim manager for the final five games of the season. Benavides, 58, is no stranger to the Reds organization. Originally drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987, he spent the first two years of his big-league career in Cincinnati. Benavides had served as Bell's bench coach since 2019, providing him with significant insight into the team's current dynamics.
The Reds hope that Benavides can provide some stability and leadership in the interim as the organization begins the search for a permanent replacement. Benavides’s long-standing relationship with the team and his deep understanding of its inner workings make him a natural choice for this temporary role.
A Historical Perspective
David Bell, the 62nd manager in Reds franchise history, leaves with a mixed legacy. His 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers, while his 456 losses rank fourth. Bell’s tenure was characterized by a blend of hope and disappointment, with the Reds' playoff appearance in 2020 standing out as a high point amidst a backdrop of rebuilding and recalibration.
Bell's dismissal marks him as the third managerial casualty of the 2024 season, reflecting a broader climate of change within Major League Baseball. In August 2024, both Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners were relieved of their duties as their organizations also sought new leadership to fulfill their competitive aspirations.
Moving Forward
As the Reds look to the future, the focus shifts to identifying a new manager who can guide the team towards consistent success. The decision to part ways with Bell underscores the organization’s commitment to resetting its trajectory and aiming for higher performance levels. With Nick Krall at the helm of baseball operations, the Reds are poised to make strategic decisions that they hope will translate into on-field success in the coming seasons.
The immediate assignment for Benavides and the Reds is to conclude the season on a positive note, while laying the groundwork for a more competitive and consistent squad in 2025. The forthcoming managerial search will be critical in shaping the next chapter of Reds baseball, as the organization strives to return to its storied tradition of winning.