5 top candidates to become Cincinnati Reds' next manager ft. Olympics gold medalist Scott Servais, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone

Late on September 22, the Cincinnati Reds announced that they would relieve manager David Bell of his services. In his six years as manager, Bell amassed a .473 winning percentage, with his team missing the postseason every season except for the shortened 2020 MLB campaign.

Now, the hunt is on to find David Bell's successor. While bench coach Freddie Benavides will act as manager until the end of the season, the team has already indicated that they will be seeking someone for the long term.

Five Candidates who could be tapped to manage the Cincinnati Reds

5. Aaron Boone

Coming into 2024, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone knew that anything less than a postseason appearance would signal his dismissal. Thankfully for Boone, the Yankees are poised to make the postseason, but his job is far from safe.

"Manager Aaron Boone: “We're focused" #YANKSonYES" - YES Network

Boone has a club option for 2025, meaning that Yankees GM Brian Cashman could let him walk if he is not content with the club's playoff performance. A former MLB infielder, Boone played seven of his 12 MLB seasons in Cincinnati.

4. Buck Showalter

Buck Showalter is the last of a dying breed. A 22-year-veteran of MLB dugouts, the 68-year-old most recently managed the 2022 New York Mets. Although Showalter seems to be taking well to his role as an analyst, the right managerial position could bring him out of semi-retirement. A four-time Manager of the Year, Showalter might be enthralled at the opportunity of making the young, dynamic Cincinnati Reds a competitive team once more.

3. Gabe Kapler

Gabe Kapler was relieved of his duties as manager of the San Francisco Giants after the 2023 season. Now the assistant GM of the Miami Marlins, Kapler is well-acquainted with the NL Central.

"Gabe Kapler thanks the fans after the home finale and vows for better things ahead in 2023 @NBCSGiants" - KNBR

With much of the issues in San Francisco regarded as beyond his control, Kapler is one of the most esteemed managers on the open market currently.

2. Skip Schumaker

Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker will see his one-year deal as manager of the Marlins expire after the season, rendering the 44-year-old a free agent.

Though Miami has had a sordid season, Schumaker helped the 2023 Marlins make their first full-season playoff appearance since their 2003 World Series title. While his team is 57-99 in 2024, many executives continue to see Schumaker as a competent manager

1. Scott Servais

When the Seattle Mariners fired Scott Servais in August, the Wisconsin-born skipper became the first manager fired after his team surrendered a 10-game lead in their division that season.

"#MLBTonight reacts to the news that the Seattle Mariners have fired their manager, Scott Servais." - MLB Network

Despite the debacle, Servais is regarded as a top managerial mind. A former MLB player and Olympic medalist with eight years of managerial experience, Servais amassed a .514 winning percentage in 1322 games in Seattle's dugout. With Servais, the Cincinnati Reds could obtain a seasoned manager with ample experience handling a young core.