The Cincinnati Reds decided to break ways with manager David Bell on Sunday. Although Cincinnati has named bench coach Freddie Benavides as interim manager, it is expected that the team will choose a new manager.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, rumours are already circling about one contender for the job: Skip Schumaker, the Miami Marlins manager.
“Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is on the Reds’ radar as a potential replacement for David Bell, who was fired Sunday night,” Nightengale said on X (previously Twitter).
Bell was about to finish his sixth season as Reds manager when the team handed him his walking papers. Cincinnati had already been eliminated from MLB playoff contention, with a record of 76-81 and only five games remaining on the schedule. They suffered a 2-0 setback to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the series finale at home on Sunday.
The Reds extended Bell’s contract in 2023, which would have took him through the 2026 MLB season, but the team apparently chose to go in a different way — one that did not include the 52-year-old Bell, who also played in the majors from 1995 to 2006.
Schumaker was open about the idea of leaving his position as Marlins manager. The
“It’s a weird moment in my career,” Schumaker remarked after the Marlins’ 5-4 home loss to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, according to ESPN. “Extremely grateful that I was given an opportunity to manage the Miami Marlins even if it was a couple years.”
Fans react to Skip Schumaker being mentioned as the prospective future Reds manager.
Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell (25) reacts to a play in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark.
Katie Stratman/Imagn Images
Nightengale’s post has elicited countless responses, with many fans optimistic about Schumaker’s possible fit with the Reds.
“This is the best case scenario” – @wilkersonadylan
“Would love this move” – @Jonathan K Martin
“That’s actually a good fit him” – @GeraldsWorld_
“So you’re gonna fire a guy who lost a bunch of games and hire a guy who lost a bunch of games.” – @JoeGravin
“I’m not sure what people think of him, but he manages with fire. “I believe he’d be an excellent fit for that young team.” – @mta751
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