Reds Extend Manager David Bell Through 2023

This afternoon, it was announced that the Cincinnati Reds and their manager, David Bell have agreed on a two-year contract extension.

“We’ve been talking about it for a few days,” said Bell. “It’s a great job. I love my job. I don’t have anything to compare it to, but there is no way in the world that I could have a better situation.”

Bell was hired to manage the Reds after the 2018 season and was signed to a three-year deal. The Reds are 78-74 this season and are four games behind the Cardinals in the NL Wild Card race. 

Bell is the first manager to take the Reds to the postseason since Dusty Baker did it back in 2013. In last year’s expanded playoffs, the Reds were the seventh seed in the National League, but they were swept in the best-of-three Wild Card series by the Braves and were shut out in both games.

Bell said there hadn’t been much talk of an extension up until this point.

“I’m so focused on the season and the day to day and the team and our players, getting to the playoffs and winning a championship. That’s the reason, I guess, it was in the back of my mind,” Bell said. “I love my job. I’m grateful for each day I have doing it. That was really the focus.”

Bell has an all-time record of 184-190 as Reds manager. Bell’s entire coaching staff from this year is expected to return with him in 2022.

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