CINCINNATI - David Bell has been hired as manager of the Cincinnati Reds, tasked with helping turn around a team that skidded to a 67-95 record and last-place finish in the N.L. Central.
The Reds said Sunday he has been given a three-year contract that includes a team option for 2022. The 46-year-old Cincinnati native is to be introduced at a news conference today.
The Reds fired Bryan Price after a 3-15 start, and Jim Riggleman was interim manager for the rest of the season.
Bell was a minor league manager for the Reds from 2009-12, became the Chicago Cubs' third base coach in 2013, St. Louis' assistant hitting coach the following year and the Cardinals' bench coach for the next three years. He was San Francisco's vice president of player development last season.
Bell becomes the 63rd manager in Reds' history.
Bell played parts of 12 seasons in the majors with the Indians, Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers.