The Cincinnati Reds have reached a three-year contract extension with their manager, David Bell, the team announced on Friday.

"David had done a great job this year. This coaching staff has done a great job this year," the Reds' general manager Nick Krall said. "We came in, and it was about growing. We've done that. We've created a culture around the big league clubhouse, integrated a lot of young players into our big league team and continued to grow. Players get better, coaches get better, it's been a lot of fun to watch."

Bell, in his fifth season with the Reds, is already the longest-tenured manager since Dusty Baker (2008-2013). If Bell finishes his new deal, which will go through 2026, he will match Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson (1970-1978) as the longest-serving manager in franchise history.

"I have incredible respect for Sparky (Anderson)," Bell said. "I think for me, it's how grateful I am to even have a year of this opportunity to do something that means so much to me, especially here in Cincinnati. Then just the challenge every day to build, try to get better, build relationships with the staff and throughout the organization, to be able to continue that and not have to start over, you never know if you'll get another opportunity."

The Reds lost 100 of their 162 games last season and, as a result, missed the playoffs for the second straight season. However, the team did surprisingly well in the 2023 season. They are currently 57-48, second in the National League (AL) Central Division, and only half a game behind the leading Milwaukee Brewers.

The Reds finished June with an 18-9 record, including a 12-game winning streak that matched their modern record.

"I love, absolutely love, our players. I love our team. Love the direction we're headed in. I feel real strongly about where we're headed and a lot of success ahead, a lot of wins ahead and I'm truly, truly honored to be able to do this – a job I love in the city of Cincinnati and for our fans," Bell said.