Cincinnati Reds: Nick Krall is the natural successor to Dick Williams

The logical choice for Dick Williams successor is Reds GM Nick Krall.

Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams resigned today, leaving a big hole in the team’s front office. Thankfully, current general manager Nick Krall is likely to take over the entire aspect of baseball ops going forward.

Don’t expect some exhaustive search to find Williams successor. He’s likely already in the building. After years as the team’s assistant general manager, Krall was promoted in May 2018 to the Reds GM, a role that, according to the Reds press release, he still maintains.

Expect Nick Krall to follow in the footsteps of Dick Williams, just as the former president of baseball operations did when Walt Jocketty transferred into an advisory role with the team. Williams was hired in 2006 and promoted to general manager in 2015.

Recently, the Cincinnati Reds have made some shrewd moves at the trade deadline and some high-profile free agent signings. Don’t think that Krall wasn’t a big part of those moves. Over the last two years, Cincinnati has signed the likes of Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas while also making trades for Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig.

I also wouldn’t expect to see a change in the Reds dugout either. David Bell just completed his second season with the team, and though they didn’t reach their goal, some positives came out fo the pandemic-shortened 2020 season as Cincinnati returned to the postseason for the first time in seven seasons.

If Krall is indeed inserted into a new role, he’ll have his work cut out for him from the jump. The Cincinnati Reds could be losing two starting pitchers to free agency, as both Bauer and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will hit the market this winter.

Krall will also likely inherit a team that finished dead-last in batting average this last season. It’s hard to see the Reds spending much in free agency after investing $166M last season. Perhaps, if Krall is looking to improve the team’s hitting, he’ll look at the trade market. A big name likely to perk Reds Country’s interest this winter is shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Nothing’s official, and to be honest, I don’t know that we’ll actually hear of an official announcement regarding a promotion. Reds owner Bob Castellini may be quite content to let Nick Krall maintain his title of general manager and just take on more responsibility.

But make no mistake, I don’t think the Reds are going to leave no stone unturned in their search for Dick Williams’ replacement. He’s likely already in the building. Here’s to the team’s success under Nick Krall.