Cincinnati Reds extend manager David Bell’s contract by another 3 years

The Cincinnati Reds agreed to a three-year extension with manager David Bell on Friday, keeping him at his position until 2026.

It will be Bell’s last year on his previous contract as he is currently half way through his fifth year in Cincinnati. The Reds have experienced a dramatic turnaround on the back of an exciting young nucleus, sitting at 57-48 while a half-game out of first place in the National League Central. Defending against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs would make them the first team to go from triple-digit losses to a division title in major league history.

In Friday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bell said, “I absolutely love our players.” “I love our team, I love the direction we’re going in, and I feel very strongly about it.” There are a lot of wins and a lot of success ahead, and I am incredibly honored to be able to do what I love, in my hometown of Cincinnati.

He was raised in Cincinnati as the son of former Reds executive Buddy Bell, a longtime third baseman. After leading Archbishop Moeller High School to the state baseball championship in 1989, Bell was drafted in the seventh round. Bell’s 12-year major league career was followed by a four-year stint managing the Reds’ minor league system, which he turned into coaching for the Chicago Cubs in 2013 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017.

After a one-year stint in player development with the San Francisco Giants, Bell rehired the Reds in October of 2018. In 2020, Bell led the Reds to the playoffs with a COVID-19-shortened season and in 2021 with an 83-win season before facing a rebuilding team in 2021.

The Reds are now outfitted with an array of dazzling young players, led by hard-throwing starting pitcher Hunter Greene and dazzling young shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Additionally, the likes of Will Benson, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and Andrew Abbott have excelled this season in the big leagues.

“I’m excited about where we are, and I’m excited about where we’re going,” said Reds general manager Nick Krall. “Are we there yet? Not yet. We still have a lot to do.” Having these players, coaches, and the organization, get better, from the minor leagues to the big leagues, has been a lot of fun.”

Career of Bell

It is no secret that David Bell is deeply involved in baseball. He was a key player in leading Archbishop Moeller High School to the state baseball championship in 1989, which led to his being drafted in the seventh round the following year. After retiring from the major leagues, Bell transitioned into coaching, serving four years in the Reds’ minor league system and then with the Chicago Cubs.

The Reds recognized Bell’s potential and brought him back as their manager in October 2018 after a one-year stint with the San Francisco Giants in player development. In 2021, the Reds achieved an 83-win season under his leadership and achieved a playoff berth during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Despite facing challenges with a rebuilding team the following summer, the organization has shown immense confidence in Bell’s managerial abilities by offering the extension.

Competencies in leadership

Bell’s contract extension indicates the team’s confidence in his leadership and the progress it has made. A young core, bolstered by Bell’s strategic acumen, has revived the Reds’ franchise, reinvigorating hopes for division success. With deep ties to the city of Cincinnati, and as the son of Buddy Bell, a former third baseman and current Reds executive, David Bell’s passion for the game and commitment to the organization make him an integral part of the organization.

In the coming years, Bell and the Reds share a vision for continued success. As the 2026 season approaches, Cincinnati anticipates an exciting journey ahead under David Bell’s guidance, not only providing stability for the team, but also demonstrating confidence in the manager’s ability to lead them to even greater heights.