Reds identifies 3 perfect managers as target after firing David Bell

The Cincinnati Reds have been debating whether or not to fire their current manager, David Bell, throughout the season. On the one hand, the Reds were not doing as well as the front office desired. However, players were either injured or underperforming. You cannot blame the manager for this.

However, Cincinnati ultimately opted to break ways with David Bell with only a few games remaining in the 2024 season. Most of this was expected. The timing is a little strange, as Cincinnati could have just waited until the end of the season, but chose to make the move before it concluded.

In any case, they want to hunt for a long-term manager this offseason. They require someone who can fit their style of play and the youth that comes with the Cincinnati Reds.

3. Barry Larkin

The first person on the list has been in this position for the last five or six years. It’s Barry Larkin, the Reds’ all-time great shortstop.

In the past, Larkin has rejected the thought of managing, preferring to remain in player development and the commentary booth. When challenged about the proposal, Larkin confessed that many of the team’s younger players had lobbied for him to take over as manager.

This is a long-running rumor within the group. The players adore Larkin, and he reciprocates their affection for them—and the game of baseball. He possesses the necessary expertise and leadership skills to complete the job. He’s also a notorious winner who has frequently blasted Cincinnati’s complacency as a league-average squad. It’s certainly an intriguing alternative.

If the Reds wish to keep their managerial pick in-house, Larkin would be an excellent choice. He lacks the expertise at the position that fits Cincinnati’s “win now” mantra, which prompted the decision to terminate Bell. It’s unlikely that they’ll appoint Larkin as manager, but it would be enjoyable.

2. Mark Kotsay

Now we go on to an alternative that will be less enjoyable for Reds fans but likely a better business decision for the team. Mark Kotsay is the current manager of the Oakland Athletics. He is set to leave the team at the end of the season, as Oakland prepares to relocate and completely change its franchise, including the management.

When Kotsay leaves the Athletics, he is definitely one of the choices Cincinnati might consider. People will initially point out Kotsay’s terrible managerial record. But that has less to do with him, his managing skills, and the job he’s doing, and more to do with the players put on his roster.

In fact, many believe the A’s have overachieved this season, despite a drop off down the stretch.

Acquiring Kotsay would not be the significant upgrade Cincinnati is looking for. David Bell would make a lateral move rather than a forward one. He will be one of the best managers available, but he would not be Cincinnati’s first choice.

He would be a step away from recruiting internally, which many supporters advocate for.

1. Skip Schumaker

At this point, it is evident who the best manager on the market is. Skip Schumaker is the current manager of the Miami Marlins.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Schumaker is anticipated to inform the Marlins that he will leave at the end of the season.

“Marlins manager Skip Schumaker, who was widely praised for his decision not to pitch around Shohei Ohtani in his record-setting 50 homer-50 steal day last week, is expected to inform the Marlins that he is officially leaving after the season where he will become the hottest free agent manager in baseball,” according to Nightengale.

Schumaker makes sense for the Reds for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, he is the younger manager who fits the modern era of baseball. The Reds are fast and exciting, therefore they want a manager who can match their speed and intensity.

Schumaker also spent the last two years of his major league career with the Cincinnati Reds. He is familiar with the city, its front office, the fans, and the way things are done. He’s also the type of manager who isn’t scared to confront his players. He will not be soft on his players in order to save their feelings, which is critical to the growth of the young Reds.

This is likely Cincinnati’s top choice. The difficulty is that Schumaker will be the top candidate for nearly every team looking for a manager.