OFFICIAL: Cincinnati Reds Announce Full Coaching Staff for 2025 Season
The Cincinnati Reds have officially unveiled their complete coaching staff for the 2025 Major League Baseball season, bringing a mix of familiar faces and new additions to the team’s leadership structure. This announcement comes as the Reds aim to build upon their competitive 2024 campaign and continue their upward trajectory in the National League Central Division. The revamped coaching staff is expected to provide a blend of continuity, fresh ideas, and experience as the team prepares for another season of high expectations.
A Focus on Development and Consistency
Heading into the 2025 season, the Reds’ leadership under manager **David Bell** will continue with an emphasis on player development, team chemistry, and tactical acumen. Bell, who has managed the Reds since 2019, has earned respect for his ability to manage both young talent and veteran players, creating a balanced team dynamic. Despite some bumps along the way, Bell’s steady hand has helped the Reds return to relevance after several rebuilding years. The Reds finished strong in 2024, hinting at a promising future, and Bell is determined to take the team to the next level in 2025.
One of Bell’s main priorities will be improving the Reds’ consistency, particularly on offense, and making strides on the mound. As part of that, the Reds have ensured they have the right coaches in place to develop both their position players and pitchers.
Key Additions to the Coaching Staff
One of the biggest changes for 2025 is the hiring of **Tommy McClellan** as the new **Hitting Coach**. McClellan, who previously worked in the same capacity with the Milwaukee Brewers, brings with him a wealth of experience working with young hitters and turning struggling offenses around. His focus on launch angle, plate discipline, and pitch recognition is expected to benefit a Reds lineup that showed flashes of power and potential in 2024 but lacked consistency. McClellan’s track record of helping players like Christian Yelich and Willy Adames unlock their full potential should bode well for the Reds’ up-and-coming hitters.
Additionally, the Reds have brought in **Jeff Pico** as their new **Pitching Coach**. Pico, who spent the last several years in the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system, has a reputation for fine-tuning pitchers’ mechanics and helping them with their mental approach to the game. His ability to nurture young pitchers has already caught the attention of Reds management, and he is expected to work closely with rising stars such as **Hunter Greene**, **Nick Lodolo**, and **Graham Ashcraft**. After a 2024 season that saw improvements on the mound, the Reds are hoping Pico can elevate their pitching staff to the next level.
Retained Staff Members
While the Reds have made some key additions, several familiar faces will return to their roles, ensuring some continuity in the coaching structure.
**Freddy Benavides** will return as **Bench Coach**, a role he’s held since 2021. Benavides brings valuable experience from his time as a former MLB player and coach, and his ability to manage in-game situations and communicate effectively with the team is an asset to Bell’s leadership. His rapport with the players, particularly with the younger contingent, has helped make him an invaluable member of the coaching staff.
**Derek Johnson**, the Reds’ **Pitching Coordinator** since 2018, will continue to play a key role in overseeing the development of the team’s pitching prospects. Under his guidance, the Reds have seen significant strides in their pitching development, and his return is seen as a critical piece in the team’s efforts to build a dominant staff for the future.
Additionally, **Terry Hensley** will remain as the Reds’ **First Base Coach** and **Infield Instructor**, while **Pat Kelly** will continue as the team’s **Third Base Coach** and **Outfield Instructor**. Both coaches have been instrumental in the Reds’ defensive strategies and have worked to instill a strong, cohesive unit in the field. Their experience and ability to develop defensive fundamentals will be crucial in 2025 as the team looks to improve their all-around play.
Special Teams and Analytics Focus
In addition to the changes to the coaching staff, the Reds have placed a significant emphasis on bolstering their **Analytics and Strategy Department**. The organization has hired **Matt Taylor** as the new **Director of Baseball Strategy**, focusing on data-driven decision-making and game-planning. Taylor’s role will be vital in integrating advanced metrics and analytics into the day-to-day operations of the team, allowing the coaching staff to make more informed decisions in-game.
A Unified Vision for 2025
The appointment of this diverse coaching staff signals a commitment from the Reds’ front office to blend traditional baseball wisdom with the modern tools of analytics and player development. With a young core of talent, including the likes of **Elly De La Cruz**, **Spencer Steer**, and **Andrew Abbott**, the Reds are poised to contend for a postseason spot in the coming seasons. The cohesion between manager David Bell and his coaching staff, both new and returning, will be integral in driving the team forward as they push toward greater success in 2025.
As the Reds prepare for Spring Training, the hope is that these strategic moves will not only solidify the team’s competitiveness in 2025 but also set them up for sustained success in the future. The revamped coaching staff provides a promising outlook for the Reds as they enter a new chapter in their quest to bring postseason baseball back to Cincinnati.
