These former Reds players should be considered to replace David Bell as manager

The Cincinnati Reds are in the market for a new manager after dismissing David Bell with five games remaining in the 2024 season. The Cincinnati native, who was in his sixth season at the helm, brought a big-league pedigree to the dugout, and Cincy could mine its former players for Bell’s successor.

One former Reds player and current Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker has already emerged as a potential candidate to replace Bell, but there are other former Cincinnati players who could be line as well. These three former Reds could return to the fold and lead the team into the future.

David Ross, former Reds catcher

David Ross’s tenure in Cincinnati was a high point in his career. Ross set career highs in homers, games played, and RBI during his time with the Reds organization. In fact, one-third of his hits in 2006 left the ballpark, a truly impressive feat. He served as the everyday catcher from 2006 until Paul Bako took over in 2008, at which point Ross was released.

Ross went on to win two World Series as a player, including the curse-breaking 2016 title with the Chiacgo Cubs. Ross became the Cubs' manager in 2020, but was unceremoniously dismissed following the 2023 season after Chicago agreed to terms with former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

The classy former catcher might be a good fit for an organization full of young stars. Early during his time in Chicago, Ross established an organized, back-to-basics clubhouse. For a club with the third-youngest offense in the NL, this type of atmosphere may inspire success.

Dave Martinez, former Reds outfielder

The current Washington Nationals’ manager spent a fairly forgettable season in Cincinnati during 1992. In fact, his year with the Reds was, in many ways, Martinez’s worst season as a player. Wouldn’t it be nice to rewrite that history?

Nabbing Martinez, whose disappointing season with Washington might push him onto the job market, means getting a World Series-winning manager. He, of course, led the Nats to a title in 2019, and the team’s recent woes may be more a result of the post-championship sell-off than anything else. 

Martinez is under contract through 2025 with a club option for 2026, and he has already announced that his coaching staff has been secured for next year, so the likelihood of him moving on is slim. That said, Bell was under contract through 2026, and we saw what happened there.

Barry Larkin, former Reds shortstop

Okay, so this isn’t really going to happen, but the most recent Reds inductee into the Hall of Fame has not been afraid of airing his grievances regarding how the club has been managed. He’s backed up his critiques by jumping into the fray during drills in spring training and working with Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz.

Larkin has noted in the past that the only club he’d ever manage is the Reds. So… you’re saying there’s a chance?

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