With just five games to go in the 2024 MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds decided it was time to part ways with manager David Bell. Posting a 409-456 record over six seasons, the Reds felt it was time for a switch. Freddy Benavides will lead the Reds for the rest of the season, as they announce that bench coach Jeff Pickler will also be departing with Bell.

With such a great young core, and a city eager for championships, the Reds manager position should be quite an attractive job. Let’s take a look at some potential candidates for this job.

Barry Larkin

The hall of fame shortstop is likely the most common name being thrown out. Larkin spent his entire Major League career in Cincinnati, and currently calls home games for the team on Bally Sports. Larkin has spent time with this team in spring training and is well known by many of the players already in the clubhouse. Some fans feel some angst about Larkin potentially taking over the team, but he will surely get his shot and is likely the top candidate if Cincy decides to stay in house.

Terry Francona

Francona has managed the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Guardians over his career. Over his managerial career, Francona has won two World Series Championships, and has compiled a record of 1700-1470. If this team is serious about winning now, they will make this happen. Francona is the best available choice, should they choose to look for someone outside of the organization.

Jeff Brantley

Brantley, known to Cincinnati fans as “The Cowboy” played for the Reds from 1994-1999, and currently calls games on the Reds radio network. Brantley has gone viral many times over the past few seasons for his in-game rants on how awful the Reds were being managed. His public rants may not be the best for the potential of becoming the next manager, but it resonates with Reds fans. Mediocrity has been accepted for the last 24 years, and Brantley would surely not stand for that, which is exactly what this organization needs.

Skip Schumaker

Schumaker currently manages the Miami Marlins but has connections to Cincinnati. Schumaker played for the Reds during the 2014 season, and Cincinnati has reportedly been very interested in hiring him as their next manager. Over the past two years with Miami, Shumaker has compiled a record of 141-177.

Joe Girardi

Girardi has managed the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, and Philadelphia Phillies, compiling a record of 1100-935, and winning one World Series championship. Girardi would offer the experience and leadership this young Reds team should be looking for. However, would someone with experience such high market teams want to return to managing in Cincinnati?

Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, has said that he hopes to keep this search relatively short. Finding a new manager and attacking free agency should be key priorities for the Cincinnati Reds, as they attempt to change the direction of a failing franchise.