Reds extend Bell’s contract through 2026

Reds manager David Bell walks to the mound in the ninth inning against the Phillies on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

Credit: David Jablonski

Credit: David Jablonski

Reds manager David Bell walks to the mound in the ninth inning against the Phillies on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

The Cincinnati Reds announced Friday night manager David Bell has signed a three-year contract extension.

Bell, who signed a two-year contract extension in 2021, now has a deal that runs through the 2026 season. That would be his eighth season on the job.

“I’m truly, truly honored to be able to do this, a job that I love, in the city of Cincinnati,” Bell said in an interview on Bally Sports Ohio.

The Reds hired Bell in October 2018. He’s 307-343 in five seasons. The Reds entered play Friday with a record of 56-48. The .538 winning percentage would be Bell’s best if it stands up.

Bell managed the Reds to a 31-29 record in the 60-game 2020 season as they ended a streak of six straight losing seasons and advanced to the postseason — thanks to a 16-team expanded format — for the first time since 2013.

The Reds finished 83-79 a year later but then suffered their first 100-loss season in 30 years with a 62-100 mark in 2022.

Next season, he would equal the six-year run Dusty Baker had as Reds manager from 2008-13. Only Sparky Anderson, who managed nine seasons (1970-78), has lasted longer since 1950.

Pete Rose had the reins for four full seasons and parts of two others from 1984-89.

SUNDAY’S GAME

Reds at Dodgers, 4:10 p.m., Bally Sports Ohio, 700, 1410

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