The Cincinnati Reds have at least one candidate already vying for the manager role in 2025—Freddie Benavides, who will manage the team for the last five games of this season.
“That’s what you aim for — my resume speaks for itself,” Benavides said Monday in a brief press conference at Great American Ball Park, ahead of the team’s departure for Cleveland. “I’ve managed, been an infield coordinator, field coordinator, and ran the minor-league system. I’ve been an infield coach, first-base coach, and now bench coach. What’s left, general manager? Becoming a manager is the next step; it’s the goal for everyone in coaching. You want to be the leader.”
The Reds announced Sunday night that they had fired David Bell, who had managed the team since 2019. Reds President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall, stated on Monday that there was no candidate list yet, but that hasn’t stopped speculation.
Here’s a look at potential candidates, starting with the current interim manager.
Freddie Benavides
Who is he? Benavides, 58, has been with the Reds since being drafted in the second round in 1987. He has served on the major-league staff for the last 11 years and was the only coach retained by Bell when he took over. Benavides has experience in the Reds’ minor-league system, having managed for four seasons, including Dayton’s first season in 2000. Joey Votto credited him with helping him win a Gold Glove in 2011. Fluent in Spanish, Benavides comes from Mexican heritage and has deep ties within the organization.
Why does he fit? Benavides has essentially had an extended interview with the Reds over the years. He’s highly respected, loyal, and has worked his way up through the system.
Why might he not fit? His biggest challenges are his lack of major-league managerial experience and that hiring him might be seen as maintaining the status quo. If Krall had philosophical differences with Bell, Benavides would need to show how his approach would be different.
Miguel Cairo
Who is he? Cairo, 50, is currently the bench coach for the Washington Nationals. He enjoyed a 17-year playing career with nine teams, including a stint with the Reds during Dusty Baker’s tenure as manager.
Why does he fit? Even during his playing days, Cairo was regarded as a future manager. After retiring, he worked as a special assistant for former Reds GM Walt Jocketty, and later served as an interim first-base coach in 2013. He also gained managerial experience as the interim skipper for the Chicago White Sox in 2022, finishing with an 18-16 record, before joining the Nationals as bench coach under Dave Martinez.
