The Cincinnati Reds and manager David Bell reported a two-year expansion of his agreement through 2023.
Bell, 49, concurred in October 2018 to a three-year contract that incorporated a team option for 2022. The Reds are 78-74 this season, third in the NL Central, and 184-190 under Bell.
“I think we’ve talked about this all year,” general manager Nick Krall said after Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh was rained out. “He’s done a great job with the team we have right now, and it was natural to have him leading us forward. We got to the playoffs last year, and we’ve had a great run this year, and we still have a chance. He knows how to run a clubhouse, and he knows how to run a dugout.”
Cincinnati was cleared by Atlanta 2-0 in the first round of last year’s extended playoffs.
Gus Bell, the manager’s grandfather, and Buddy Bell, the manager’s dad, both played for the Reds.
“It’s an incredible honor to be in this organization and work for this organization and to be in this position and work with this group of coaches and Nick and his staff and loving every opportunity to be with these players,” Bell said. “I’m just thankful to be able to just continue all the work we’ve done together. There’s been a lot of progress in this organization, and I’m fortunate to be part of that team.
“The only focus I have right now is finishing this season strong and accomplishing what we set out to do at the beginning of the year. It would be nice to be able to continue that and striving for that success and much success for years to come.”
Cincinnati’s coaching staff additionally is relied upon to return.
