MLB.com offers bold prediction for oft-criticized Reds manager David Bell

The overwhelming majority of players on the Cincinnati Reds 2024 roster are about to embark into unknown territory. The expectations heading into next season will be heightened. After posting an 82-win season in 2023 with a roster comprised of mostly rookies and second-year players, Reds Country has set its sights on the MLB Postseason.

And why shouldn't they? Despite what some would consider a less-than-stellar class of free agent additions, the Reds have done enough to compete in the National League Central next season. At the moment, with so few offseason moves from their competitors, the Reds may even be considered the favorites.

In fact, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com believes in the Reds so much heading into 2024, that he foresees Cincinnati skipper David Bell taking home 2024 NL Manager of the Year honors.

David Bell received some mild consideration for the award last year. However, the 2023 NL Manager of the Year Award was given to Miami Marlins' Skip Schumaker. Baltimore Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde took home the honors for the American League.

Manager of the Year is oftentimes one of the most unpredictable awards. Typically, the award is handed out to the team leader who supposedly did more with less. Or, at the very least, outperformed expectations.

The expectations for the Reds, however, will be higher in 2024 than they were in 2023. After watching Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, and others lead Cincinnati to a winning-record a year ago, Reds fans expect their team to compete for a spot in the postseason.

While a playoff spot probably won't be enough to hand the 2024 NL Manager of the Year Award over to David Bell, winning the NL Central Division would. Quite frankly, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets loaded with talent, whichever team wins the NL Central may be handing the Manager of the Year Award to their skipper.

David Bell has as good a chance as any manager to take home the hardware in 2024, but it will require the Cincinnati Reds to at least meet, if not exceed, expectations. If the Reds play up to their talent-level, Bell will certainly be in the mix.