The Cincinnati Reds have decided to part ways with manager David Bell, ending his six-year tenure with the organization. In a move that signals a shift in direction, Reds General Manager Nick Krall announced that 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 in 1987 and has served as Bell's bench coach since 2019.
David Bell's Tenure
David Bell's time with the Reds has been a mixed bag of highs and lows. Over his six-year stint, Bell compiled a managerial record of 409-456, translating to a .473 winning percentage. While a record such as this might not immediately stand out, it’s important to note that he did lead the team to the postseason during the shortened 2020 season. However, more recent seasons have been challenging. In 2022, the Reds ended with a dismal 62-100 record. They showed improvement in 2023, finishing the season with a winning record under Bell's guidance, only to struggle again in 2024, ultimately ending in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record.
Bell had been under contract through the 2026 season, which makes this firing somewhat surprising. His 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers, while his 456 losses rank fourth in franchise history. Despite the ups and downs, Bell's presence provided a sense of steadiness in the Reds' clubhouse, a sentiment echoed by many within the organization.
Organizational Changes
Nick Krall, emphasizing the need for a fresh direction, shared his thoughts on the decision: "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons. 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." Krall's comments highlight the organization's urgency to start laying the groundwork for future success, even if it means making difficult changes now.
Benavides Steps In
Freddie Benavides, taking over as interim manager, is no stranger to the Reds. Having been drafted as an infielder in 1987 and serving as Bell's bench coach for the past five years, Benavides brings a wealth of experience to the table. Whether or not he will be a candidate for the permanent managerial role remains to be seen, but his long-standing relationship with the organization certainly provides a sense of continuity during this transitional period.
A Year of Managerial Changes
David Bell's departure marks the third managerial casualty of the 2024 season. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners were both relieved of their duties in August of this year. This trend underscores the high expectations and short leashes that managers face in Major League Baseball, especially for teams with playoff aspirations.
For the Reds, the focus now shifts to ending the 2024 season on a positive note under Benavides' interim leadership while preparing for the offseason and beyond. The search for a new permanent manager will undoubtedly be a critical step in the Reds' efforts to return to not only rebuilding but establishing a competitive edge in the coming years.