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Manager David Bell Receives Three-Year Contract Extension from Reds
LOS ANGELES — Cincinnati Reds Manager David Bell has been granted a three-year contract extension, solidifying his position after leading the team to a successful turnaround. The announcement was made on Friday night in Los Angeles before the Reds’ game against the Dodgers. The contract will keep Bell with the Reds until the end of the 2026 season.
Currently, the Reds hold a record of 56-48, trailing first-place Milwaukee by 1 1/2 games in the National League (NL) Central division. They are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win a division title after losing at least 100 games in the previous season. In 2020, the Reds had a disappointing record of 62-100, tying with Pittsburgh for last place in the division.
Bell expressed his excitement about the team’s progress and the opportunity to continue leading the Reds. He emphasized his love for the players, the team, and the direction they are headed. Bell is truly honored to continue his role in Cincinnati and serve the fans.
If Bell completes his new contract, he will become the longest-tenured Reds manager since Sparky Anderson, a Hall of Famer who managed the team from 1970 to 1978, winning two World Series titles.
General Manager Nick Kroll Praises Bell and the Coaching Staff
General Manager Nick Kroll praised Bell and the coaching staff for their excellent work this year. Kroll highlighted the team’s growth and the positive culture that has been created in the major-league clubhouse. They have successfully integrated several young players into the team and are continuously progressing.
The Reds’ Recent Performance and Future Outlook
In the 2021 season, the Reds achieved a record of 83-79. The previous year, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they had a record of 31-29 and secured a postseason berth for the first time since 2013. This marked the first time the Reds had consecutive winning seasons since 2012-2013.
Kroll expressed his excitement about the current state of the team and their future prospects. While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, he emphasized the joy of witnessing the players and coaches grow and the overall improvement of the organization.
Coaching Staff Contracts and Bell’s Background
Kroll mentioned that the coaching staff’s contracts have not yet been extended, indicating that further decisions will be made in that regard.
Bell, a Cincinnati native, was originally hired in 2018 on a three-year deal with a club option for 2022. In 2021, he received a two-year contract extension, bringing him up to the current season. Bell, who is 50 years old, comes from a baseball family, with his father, Buddy Bell, being a former major leaguer and front office executive.