In a significant development for Major League Baseball, the Cincinnati Reds have parted ways with manager David Bell. The move ends Bell's six-year tenure with the organization, a period marked by both promise and frustration.
Bell was under contract through the 2026 season, but the Reds' brass felt a change was imperative to push the team forward. "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," said Reds' General Manager Nick Krall.
A Mixed Bag of Results
David Bell's managerial record with the Reds stands at 409-456, giving him a winning percentage of .473. This record places Bell as the eighth winningest manager in Reds franchise history but also fourth in terms of losses. During his time with Cincinnati, Bell led the team to the postseason in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season but struggled to maintain consistent success. "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons," Krall remarked, acknowledging Bell's positive influence despite the uneven results.
The Reds ended the 2023 season on a high note, finishing with a winning record under Bell's guidance. However, the success was short-lived, as the team faltered in 2024, ultimately finishing in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record. Additionally, the Reds had a dismal 62-100 record in the 2022 season, highlighting the inconsistency of the team’s performance during Bell's tenure.
Bell's Legacy and Departure
The decision to part ways with Bell makes him the third managerial casualty of the 2024 season, following the dismissals of Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners in August. Bell's legacy in Cincinnati is therefore a mixed one—while he departs with the respect of many within the organization, the overall performance of the team under his leadership ultimately failed to meet expectations.
Freddie Benavides Steps In
Freddie Benavides, who has served as Bell's bench coach since 2019, will step in as the interim manager for the final five games of the season. Benavides, a former infielder drafted by the Reds in 1987, is well-known within the organization. His familiarity with the team's players and dynamics may provide some immediate stability as the Reds look toward the future.
Benavides’ promotion marks a temporary yet notable shift for the Reds. The former bench coach has been a consistent presence in the dugout and brings with him years of experience, both as a player and coach. Reds fans and the baseball community will undoubtedly watch closely to see how the team responds under his management during this brief interim period.
As the Reds close out another tumultuous season, the focus now turns to building for 2025 and beyond. With Freddie Benavides at the helm for these final crucial games, the Reds organization, players, and fans will be looking for glimpses of hope and stability amidst the ongoing managerial changes.