On Friday, the Cincinnati Reds announced that they would be giving manager David Bell a contract extension that will last him through the 2026 season.
Bell was hired in October of 2018 to manage the Reds.
That contract was for three years.
Bell led Cincinnati to two consecutive winning seasons and a postseason berth before ultimately receiving a three-year extension through the 2024 season.
After losing 100 games in 2022, the Reds have found their footing again and are now set to be buyers at the trade deadline.
On Twitter, the Reds released a statement to announce the news of Bell’s new contract extension and the terms of the deal.
The #Reds and manager David Bell have agreed to a contract extension through the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/ihMTVb4U9F
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 29, 2023
Bell played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, splitting time between the Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers.
The 50-year-old has helped guide the Reds back into postseason contention.
The Reds have assembled a strong group of young stars that features Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, and others.
The team looks poised to reach the postseason for the first time since 2020, as they sit just a half-game back of first place in the NL Central behind the Brewers.
Bell has led the Reds to a 203-283 record over his first five seasons at the helm.
His father, Buddy Bell, was recently a front office executive for the Reds.
The 50-year-old earned Manager of the Year honors in the National League during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
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