The Cincinnati Reds have reached a critical juncture, deciding to part ways with manager David Bell after a tenure that spanned six years. Bell, who had been contracted through the 2026 season, saw a mixture of highs and lows during his time with the club. His managerial record with the Reds stands at 409-456, translating to a .473 winning percentage.
Bell's time in Cincinnati featured a memorable postseason appearance in the shortened 2020 season, where he led the team into the playoffs, offering a glimmer of hope to a fan base eager for success. However, the ups and downs of the subsequent seasons proved challenging. The 2023 season ended on a high note with a winning record, but the momentum did not carry into 2024. The Reds struggled, finishing in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record, a disappointing follow-up to their previous success. The team also endured a 62-100 record in 2022, which further added to the mounting pressure on Bell.
Reds General Manager Nick Krall explained the decision, noting, "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons." However, Krall acknowledged the necessity for change: "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."
In the wake of Bell's departure, Freddie Benavides will assume the role of interim manager for the final five games of the season. Benavides, a familiar face within the organization, was originally drafted by the Reds as an infielder back in 1987 and has been a pivotal part of the coaching staff, serving as Bell's bench coach since 2019. His deep roots with the franchise and extensive experience will be critical during this transitional period.
Bell's tenure places him in an interesting historical context within the Reds' storied franchise. His 409 wins rank him eighth among Reds managers, while his 456 losses place him fourth in that less desirable category. Bell became the 62nd manager in the franchise's history, navigating the team through a period marked by rebuilding and moments of promise.
The managerial carousel in Major League Baseball has been particularly active this season, with Bell becoming the third manager to be relieved of his duties in 2024. Earlier this August, both Pedro Grifol of the Chicago White Sox and Scott Servais of the Seattle Mariners were also let go, signaling a season of significant transitions and recalibrations across the league.
As the Reds look ahead to the future, the focus turns towards identifying a leader who can build on Bell’s foundation, consolidate the talent within the organization, and translate potential into consistent performance. The interim period under Benavides offers a brief window of stability, but the search for a new manager will undoubtedly be a crucial task for the Reds’ front office. The hope among fans and the organization alike is that this change will mark the beginning of a new era of sustained success.