LOS ANGELES – In the midst of a surprising season in which the club is struggling for the postseason, the Reds announced on Friday that they have given manager David Bell a three-year contract extension through the 2026 season.
Bell, 50, first took over as manager of his hometown team ahead of the 2019 season. He was in the final year of a two-year contract extension signed after the 2021 season.
Entering Friday, Cincinnati is 56-48 with a young roster. Bell has been credited with creating a strong clubhouse culture with chemistry and having players support each other both on the field and behind the scenes.
It seems to have paid off. The Reds trailed the Brewers by 1 1/2 games in the National League Central and currently hold one of the three NL Wild Card spots.
Entering the game against the Dodgers on Friday, Bell had a 307-343 record with Cincinnati. The team made the postseason in the shortened 2020 season and went 83-79 in ’21 while missing the playoffs.
In 2022, the Reds endured a roster drift amid the cost, finishing with a 62–100 record. It was expected to be a continued rebuilding year in 2023, but the team has moved up the schedule to contend significantly.