4 under-the radar candidates who could replace David Bell as Reds manager

Who is going to be the Cincinnati Reds next manager? While everyone seems to have an opinion about who the Reds should hire to replace David Bell, but at the end of the day, it matters who president of baseball operations Nick Krall and Cincinnati's ownership think is best suited for the job.

There are a number of familiar names out there. Former Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has been mentioned. Some fans and media members have tossed out the name Terry Francona. David Ross has been bandied about as well, and of course, the one name that's been rumored to already be on Cincinnati's radar is Skip Schumaker.

There will be no shortage of candidates to take over a lineup teeming with young talent and a stable of impressive young arms. But while some recognizable names are on the tongues of the Reds fanbase, don't be surprised if some under-the-radar names begin to emerge in the coming days. Let's look at a few potential replacements for Bell that no one is really talking about.

Darren Bush, Oakland A's bench coach

Now, don't be immediately dismissive of Darren Bush just because he happens to coach for the Oakland Athletics. In fact, the A's have seen a near 20-game improvement from 2023 to 2024. Bush has been a minor-league manager in the A's farm system, and joined Bob Melvin's staff in 2013.

Bush has overseen the development of several young A's players like Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Lawrence Butler, all of whom posted 3.0 bWAR or higher this season. The Reds shortlist should include an interview with Bush once the 2024 season comes to a close.

Clayton McCullough, Dodgers first base coach

The Cleveland Guardians interviewed Clayton McCollough last offseason before eventually hiring Stephen Vogt to replace Francona in the dugout. McCollough was also interviewed by the Kansas City Royals last October before KC settled on Matt Quatraro.

The Dodgers are one of the most successful franchises in professional sports. A lot of that has to do with the unlimited resources Andrew Friedman has at this disposal, but the Dodgers also do a good job of developing young players (even if they eventually play on other teams). Look for McCollough to receive an interview for the Reds vacancy once LA is eliminated from the postseason, if not before.

Rodney Lineras, Rays bench coach

The one Major League franchise Cincinnati is often compared to is the Tampa Bay Rays. Like the Rays, the Reds are a small market franchise that looks toward drafting and developing players rather than spending big-time money on free agents. It just so happens that the Rays do a far better job than the Reds. Maybe it's time to poach one of Tampa Bay's top assistants.

Rodney Lineras has a ton of experience as a minor-league manager. Lineras was part of the Houston Astros organization for years and is credited with helping develop players like Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and Jose Altuve.

Linares took over as the Rays bench coach after the aforementioned Quatraro took left Tampa Bay to become the Royals' manager. If you're looking for an outside-the-box, slam-dunk hire, it's Lineras. Hopefully, the Reds are wise enough to bring Lineras in for interview once the Rays' 2024 season ends.

Miguel Cairo, Nationals bench coach

Miguel Cairo is a name that might be more familiar to Reds' fans. Cairo spent 17 years in the major leagues, including his final three in Cincinnati. Cairo began his coaching career in the New York Mets organization and was part of the Chicago White Sox coaching staff for two seasons before joining the Washington Nationals last November.

Cairo is well-regarded throughout Major League Baseball, and is seen as a top candidate for a managerial opening in the near future. Could it come this offseason with the Reds? Cincinnati's front office and ownership always like to keep it in the family, and though Cairo is a long shot, having played for the Reds works in his favor.

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