The Cincinnati Reds have made a significant decision leading into the conclusion of their 2024 season. The organization announced the termination of manager David Bell, marking the end of his six-year tenure with the team. This move comes despite recent positive developments and a history of navigating the franchise through both highs and lows.
David Bell's Tenure
David Bell, who was under contract through the 2026 season, posted a managerial record of 409-456 (.473) during his time with the Reds. His stint included a memorable postseason run in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. While the 2023 season concluded on a high note with a winning record under his guidance, inconsistency plagued Bell's career with the team. The Reds struggled markedly in 2022 with a 62-100 record and faced significant challenges again in 2024, finishing in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record.
Nick Krall, the Reds' general manager, acknowledged Bell’s steady influence in the clubhouse, noting, "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons." However, Krall also addressed the pressing need for change, stating, "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, Freddie Benavides will step in as the interim manager for the final five games of the season. Benavides, a familiar face within the organization, was drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987 and has served as Bell's bench coach since 2019.
Bell's Legacy
David Bell's impact on the Reds is reflected not only in his win-loss record but also in his position within the franchise's history. As the 62nd manager for the Reds, Bell's 409 wins place him eighth among all Reds managers, while his 456 losses rank fourth. This juxtaposition of success and struggle highlights the volatility of his managerial career.
Bell's departure makes him the third managerial casualty of the 2024 season, following Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners, both of whom were relieved of their duties in August.
The decision to part ways with Bell signals a shift in the Reds' strategy and a desire to rebuild and refocus efforts towards future success. As they begin the search for a new manager, the organization will undoubtedly seek a leader who can bring consistent winning results and return the Reds to postseason contention.
Freddie Benavides will now aim to steer the team through the remainder of the season with a sense of continuity and stability. His long-standing relationship with the Reds and experience as Bell's bench coach position him well to manage this transitional period. The remaining games will serve as an opportunity for both players and coaching staff to adapt and prepare for the changes that lie ahead.
The Reds organization and its fanbase will be watching closely to see how this managerial change impacts the team dynamic and performance in the coming games and seasons. The decision to let go of a manager is never easy, but it often marks the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter that the Reds hope will be written with success and achievement.
As Cincinnati looks towards the future, the focus now shifts to finding a managerial successor who can harness the potential within the team and guide the Reds to new heights. The next steps taken by the organization will be critical in shaping the path forward, setting the stage for what they hope will be a promising and prosperous era.