The Cincinnati Reds have made the decision to part ways with manager David Bell after six seasons with the team. The announcement came following a 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with bench coach Freddie Benavides stepping in as interim manager for the final five games of the season.
President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall stated that while Bell provided stability to the clubhouse, a change was necessary to propel the Major League team forward as they look towards the 2025 season. The Reds currently sit at a 76-81 record, placing them in fourth in the NL Central, 13 1/2 games behind division champions Milwaukee.
Bell, a member of a baseball family with ties to Cincinnati, was hired in October 2018 and amassed a 409-456 record during his tenure. Notably, under Bell's leadership in 2020, the Reds secured a postseason berth in a shortened 60-game season due to COVID-19.
Despite a respectable 83-79 finish in 2021 and producing the National League Rookie of the Year in Jonathan India, the Reds struggled in 2022, marking their first 100-loss season in four decades. The team improved to 82-80 in 2023 but faced challenges with player injuries.
The 2024 season began with high hopes but saw the Reds struggle with consistency. A notable eight-game losing streak in May set them back, and while they showed flashes of promise, they were unable to maintain momentum. Injuries to key pitchers further hampered their performance.
Throughout Bell's tenure, the Reds developed a talented core of players, including India, Hunter Greene, Elly De La Cruz, and Matt McLain, aiming to elevate the organization. However, the team fell short of expectations, leading to the decision to part ways with Bell.
Bell's dismissal marks the third managerial change this season in MLB, following the firings of Pedro Grifol from the Chicago White Sox and Scott Servais from the Seattle Mariners. Krall is set to address the media on Monday at Great American Ball Park to discuss the team's future direction.
Source: AP MLB
