Top 5 Candidates To Replace Bryan Price As Reds Manager

Now that Bryan Price is out as Reds manager, who should take over? Well, there are several candidates to consider, but in this article, these are my top five to consider.

Jim Riggleman

He automatically becomes my favorite because he is the interim manager, but he should be on top of everyone's list despite that. Riggleman has had some experience managing, last in 2011 with the Washington Nationals. His managerial record doesn't suggest he has had any success, but before resigning mid-season with the Nationals in 2011, that team had a winning record and played really well despite the lack and unproven talent. He's been in the organization since 2012 and has been with the team at the MLB level since 2015, so being familiar with the situation is quite the understatement. He also is a smart baseball guy as some of the talks with him I've had left me dumbfounded as to why he had not been hired to be an MLB manager. Honestly, this situation could not be any more perfect for him and the Reds.

John Farrell

The only reason why he should be on this list in my opinion is because he works in the baseball operations department and aside from Riggleman, he has a better understanding of what the Reds want than outside candidates. He does have a good track record as he did help lead the Boston Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2013 and lead them back to playoffs in 2016 and 2017. However, some might compare him to Price as he got started out as a pitching coach before becoming a manager and fans in Boston became impatient with him towards the end of his tenure with the Red Sox because of some decision makings. So he might have some red flags before he even gets considered for the gig.

Barry Larkin

A Hall of Famer and a fan favorite of the Cincinnati faithful, his name in itself is an attractive one for many reasons. While he does not have any MLB managerial experience, he has managed before as he led Brazil in 2013 at the World Baseball Classic. One thing that Larkin has that honestly should take him seriously is that he really truly is smart and knows the game of baseball. However, there are many question marks just simply because he isn't a coach anywhere. Does he have the intangibles to be a MLB manager? Does he have the drive? What would he bring to the clubhouse? Those are legitimate questions as we have never really truly have seen him manage. The Brazil experience does not count as he didn't quite have a talented enough roster to work with. Also, bringing him into a rebuilding situation is not ideal either as that makes his job harder. However, if he works well with the younger players, then he should be seriously considered for the job.

Hensley Meulens

He has been San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy's right hand man since 2010 where the team has won three world championships and been to four postseasons. You would think this guy should be on top of the list. He also got rave reviews from the New York Yankees when interviewing for their job (which went to Aaron Boone ultimately), so that could suggest that he will eventually be looked at and be hired for a MLB manager position. He seems to be very smart and has the intangibles to be one, so the Reds should seriously look at him for the gig.

Ron Washington

This guy is another candidate who should be taken serious as he is a very good coach. He once led the Texas Rangers to two World Series and three postseason appearances, but resigned due to personal reasons. This guy though is great with the players and he has fun out there. However, he also has the intangibles and the smarts to be the Reds manager and might be a great coach for such a young team that is rebuilding. He might just be the right guy for the job. Here is another guy Cincinnati needs to take serious.