Pirates Bench Coach Emerges As Potential Candidate To Take Over As Cincinnati Reds Manager
**Pirates Bench Coach Emerges as Potential Candidate To Take Over as Cincinnati Reds Manager**
The Cincinnati Reds are at a pivotal moment in their franchise’s recent history. After several underwhelming seasons and growing pressure to rebuild and reassert themselves in the National League Central, the team is once again evaluating its managerial leadership. With their current skipper under scrutiny, speculation is mounting about who might be next at the helm.
One name that has begun to surface in local rumors and national “managerial candidate” chatter is that of a bench coach from the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose steady presence and reputation for player development have caught the attention of some front office insiders.
-While specific names have not been confirmed in all reports, the Pirates’ coaching staff has had several bench coaches who are respected for their work in-game strategy, clubhouse leadership, and developing young talent. Bench coaches typically serve as right-hand men to managers — assisting in game planning, situational decision-making, and mentoring players.
The Pirates have had recent internal changes: as of May 2025, their long-time manager Derek Shelton was dismissed following a dismal start to the season, with bench coach Don Kelly being promoted to interim manager. ([Reuters][1]) That shake-up has thrust “bench coach” roles into a sharper light, as organizations may be more closely observing who from that group might be suited for full managerial duties. ([Houston Chronicle][2])
-There are several reasons why this kind of move would make sense for the Reds
1. **Development Credentials**
The Pirates have emphasized developing younger players, something that would align with what the Reds seem to want: a manager who can grow the farm, integrate prospect talent, and instill a long-term plan. A bench coach respected for those abilities could be viewed as a good match.
2. **Experience in Pressure Situations**
Bench coaches from competitive teams often absorb the stress of game-day decisions, bullpen management, and handling media and clubhouse dynamics, which can mirror some of a manager’s responsibilities.
3. **Cost & Hiring Risk**
Hiring a bench coach as opposed to a high-profile (and potentially expensive) managerial star may be seen as lower risk. If the candidate is less proven as a manager, the financial and reputational stakes are often lower — something a franchise in a rebuilding or transition mode might prefer.
4. **Organizational Fit & Culture**
The Reds’ leadership has publicly said they want someone who can lead the clubhouse and help young players develop. A bench coach from another organization who is known both for integrity and clubhouse management could align well with that need.
-While there are upsides, there are also reasons why this kind of hire may face obstacles:
* **Lack of Proven Managerial Record**: Bench coaches often haven’t led teams as the head coach, so questions linger about their ability to handle the full breadth of managing: media responsibility, roster construction input, in-game ultimate decision making, etc.
* **Expectation Overhang**: The Reds, like many teams, have fans and ownership eager for more immediate success. If the new manager is seen as a “developmental” hire, patience may be short.
* **Other Candidates with Higher Profiles**: There are always rumors about more established managers or former players with managerial experience. Those names may overshadow a bench coach in early conversations.
-* The Reds fired David Bell after six seasons. ([The Telegraph][3])
* Their front office has articulated interest in candidates who can lead the clubhouse and develop younger players. ([MLB.com][4])
* There hasn’t been a publicly confirmed leak or strong news source naming a Pirates bench coach as a final candidate, but the dynamics of recent games and coaching changes (for example in Pittsburgh) tend to give more visibility to those roles. Don Kelly’s promotion in Pittsburgh is a reminder of how quickly bench coaches can become serious manager options when teams are looking to make change. ([Reuters][1])
If the Reds were to seriously consider a Pirates bench coach, here are a few predictions:
* It would likely be someone who has been on staff long enough to be noticed, respected, and trusted — someone with deep familiarity with MLB routines, with proven communication skills.
* The offer would likely come with a multi-year contract to give time to build, especially if paired with modest expectations.
* The hiring would send a strong signal the Reds are rebuilding not just via roster, but via leadership philosophy — favoring long-term growth over short-term fixes.
-While there is **no solid confirmation** that a Pirates bench coach has been chosen (or is definitely under serious consideration) to take over the Reds, the idea is plausible and lines up with how teams often search for new leadership. For the Reds, entering a new era means being open to less obvious candidates who bring developmental strengths, clubhouse leadership, and fresh perspectives.
If you like, I can try to pull up recent rumours or names that have specifically been linked to the Reds job — it might help clarify whether the bench coach angle is gathering real momentum.
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