John Farrell Waiting Behind the Scenes in Reds Organization

Former Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell, who was fired by the Red Sox at the end of the 2017 season, recently accepted a position in the scouting department for the Cincinnati Reds. Bryan Price, current manager of the Cincinnati Reds, has been on the hot-seat almost since he took the job in October 2013.

Now, with the pressure turned up even higher, and patience running thin, it may only be a matter of time before Farrell replaces Price.

The 2013 season marks the last time Cincinnati reached the playoffs, which was the last season of the Dusty Baker regime, which lasted seven seasons. In those seven seasons, Baker guided the team to three postseason berths. Price, Baker’s former pitching coach, replaced his old boss after a Wild Card Game loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Price has had his chances, and 2014 might have been his best shot. However, injuries to Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips hampered what should have been a high-powered offense, and a pitching staff led by Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, and Aroldis Chapman could not out-pitch the injuries.

As a result, the team limped to a 76-86 record, the best record in Price’s time as manager. In fact, the team has reached the 70 win mark just once since, compiling a 70-92 record last season. Still, Price has remained in the dugout.

The team’s recent struggles adds intrigue to the pre-season hire of Farrell, who is also working in studio with ESPN. Farrell, a former MLB pitcher and heralded pitching coach, and Price, also a decorated pitching coach, have similar pedigrees, which may offer a pause to Cincinnati decision makers.

Still, Farrell would be a worthy replacement, given his recent success, and of course, a 2013 World Series Championship with Boston. Especially with young talent in Hunter Greene, Nick Senzel, and Taylor Trammell coming up through the system, the Reds could use a change of pace – maybe that comes in the form of Farrell.