Carsyn Crouch, Nati Sports
As the Cincinnati Reds wrap up a season that has not met their postseason aspirations, a comprehensive review of the team’s performance and its shortcomings is anticipated once the final game of the season is concluded. This review will extend to Manager David Bell, his coaching staff, and potentially even the baseball operations department.
President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, alongside the team’s ownership, still headed by Bob Castellini, will make the final decision regarding Bell’s future with the team. Despite Bell being in the first year of a three-year contract extension through 2026, the team’s underperformance has led to speculation about his job security.
Krall refrained from commenting specifically on Bell and his staff’s performance but acknowledged that the team’s overall record is influenced by a range of factors. “We’ve seen some players make significant strides, while others have regressed,” Krall remarked. “Youth and development are parts of the equation, and we need to identify how we can improve. It’s a collective effort, and obviously, I’m not satisfied with our current standing. We must keep pushing forward and addressing our issues.”
Baserunning errors have also been a persistent issue, with the team leading the Major Leagues in outs on the bases with 59. Krall indicated that no final decisions will be made until the team conducts its internal reviews. “We still have a lot of improvements to make to secure more wins and achieve our goals,” he said. “We need to do better across the board.”
So Will They Move On From David Bell…?
When asked about Bell’s contract status before Friday’s game, Krall confirmed that Bell is under contract for the upcoming season. “He’s got a contract for next year,” Krall said. “However, we will evaluate everything at the end of the season and determine the necessary steps to move forward.”
As the offseason approaches, the Reds will undertake a detailed assessment to decide on the future direction of the team and its leadership.
Stay tuned for further updates as the team concludes its season and begins the evaluation process.
