In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Reds have dismissed their manager David Bell, concluding his six-year tenure with the organization. Bell, who was under contract through the 2026 season, leaves behind a mixed legacy marked by notable highs and significant lows.
A Tenure of Ups and Downs
Brought on as the 62nd manager in Reds franchise history, Bell recorded an overall managerial record of 409-456, achieving a .473 winning percentage. During his first few seasons, Bell provided the team with the steadiness it needed. However, Bell’s Reds struggled to maintain consistent performance over the long haul.
The pinnacle of Bell’s time with the Reds came in the shortened 2020 season, guiding the team to the postseason despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. More recently, the Reds finished the 2023 season with a winning record, showcasing Bell's capability to lead a competitive team.
Struggles and Turnaround
The following season, 2024, proved challenging. The Reds concluded the year in fourth place in the National League Central with a 76-81 record. This marked a downturn from their 62-100 record in 2022, showing some improvement but still falling short of the organization’s expectations.
Bell’s tenure also sees him leaving with some notable statistics. His 409 wins place him eighth among Reds managers, while his 456 losses position him fourth in that less desirable category. Despite these mixed results, his influence on the team was evident through both the high and low points of his career.
Leadership Change
Stepping in as the interim manager for the final five games of the season is Freddie Benavides, a familiar face within the organization. Benavides, who was originally drafted by the Reds as an infielder in 1987, has served as Bell’s bench coach since 2019. His extensive experience with the team and the players puts him in a good position to guide the Reds through this transitional period.
Reflecting on the decision, Reds' general manager Nick Krall acknowledged Bell's contributions. "David provided the kind of steadiness that we needed in our clubhouse over the last few seasons," Krall said. However, he also noted the need for a change to achieve the success the organization aims for: "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."
League-Wide Managerial Changes
Bell is the third managerial casualty in what has been a tumultuous 2024 season for the MLB. Prior to his dismissal, Pedro Grifol of the White Sox and Scott Servais of the Mariners were relieved of their duties in August. This wave of firings underscores the high expectations placed on managers and the volatility of the position.
As the Reds navigate the remainder of the season under interim management, the focus will soon shift to identifying a permanent successor who can guide the team towards a more successful future. For now, fans and players alike will reflect on Bell’s tenure, recognizing both his contributions and the areas where improvement is needed.