Reds News: David Bell joins Blue Jays, ex-pitcher slips through waivers, 2025 payroll

The Cincinnati Reds have a new manager to lead the way in 2025. Terry Francona was hired shortly after the 2024 season concluded, and the future Hall of Famer will be counted on to lead Cincinnati's young core to the postseason.

But what about former manager David Bell? After nearly six years at the helm, Bell was fired with a week left in the 2024 regular season. Last year certainly did not go as planned, and while injuries played a role in the team's failure, there were other factors at play. But Bell's a baseball-lifer, and you knew it was only a matter of time before the ex-Reds' skipper found a new gig.

Reds News: David Bell joins Blue Jays as VP of baseball operations

Bell was hired by the Toronto Blue Jays to be the team's vice president of baseball operations and assistant general manager. Bell has worked in a front office role previously; he was the San Francisco Giants Vice President of Player Development before becoming the Reds' manager in 2018.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to see Bell head to the Great White North. The 52-year-old was a finalist for the Blue Jays' managerial opening in 2018 that eventually went to Charlie Montoyo. Bell will oversee the player development and will also be part of evaluations and acquisitions. The Blue Jays have fallen short of expectations recently, and Toronto obviously feels that Bell can help them dig out of their rut.

Reds News: Former pitcher Christian Roa outrighted by Marlins

Christian Roa was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason. The former second-round pick had been woefully unproductive in the minor leagues this season, and despite joining the Reds 40-man roster last winter, Roa failed to make his big league debut in 2024.

The Reds attempted to pass Roa through waivers earlier this month, but to no avail. The Marlins claimed the right-hander and he was added to Miami's 40-man roster. But the Marlins were able to sneak Roa through waivers this go-around, and the 25-year-old was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville. He'll likely be a non-roster invitee to Marlins' spring training next year.

Reds News: Cincy's 2025 payroll expected to be at or above 2024 levels

Reds' COO Doug Healy spoke to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon about the team's new broadcast deal this past week. The Reds broke free from their agreement with Diamond Sports Group and Major League Baseball will now produce and televise Cincinnati's games during the 2025 season.

There was some concern among the Reds fanbase about how this might affect the team's payroll going forward. According Healy, the Reds plan to "maintain payroll levels at or above 2024." That's certainly good news, and perhaps it's a signal that Nick Krall and Co. will be somewhat aggressive this offseason.

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