The Reds made an announcement today regarding the coaching staff that will be working alongside new manager Terry Francona. One notable addition to the staff that had not been previously reported is Brad Mills, who will be taking on the role of bench coach. Freddie Benavides, who served as Cincinnati’s bench coach in 2019, has been listed today as bench coach/field coordinator.
Mills, who will turn 68 in January, is a familiar face to Francona. He previously worked with Francona during his time managing the Phillies, Red Sox, and Indians. Mills served as first base coach for the Phillies and later as bench coach for the Red Sox. He then went on to manage the Astros before reuniting with Francona in Cleveland.
After starting as third base coach in Cleveland, Mills transitioned to bench coach in 2014. He remained in that role until 2019 when he took a break from baseball due to personal reasons. Now, Mills will be returning to the dugout after being reassigned to a non-coaching role in Cleveland for the 2021 season.
Francona himself took a break from baseball in 2024 to focus on his health, but he is set to return in 2025 as the Reds’ manager. He has brought in some familiar faces to join him on the coaching staff, including Chris Valaika from Cleveland. With Mills and Benavides also part of the staff, there may be some changes in roles for the upcoming season.
