Price, 51, has been the Reds pitching coach the last four seasons.
“I have spent a lot of time with Bryan since the season ended, and I was convinced after the first meeting he is the right person to help us move this organization forward,” Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty said in a release. “We’ve all seen his work here with our pitching staff. He has proven himself to be an excellent communicator and leader and clearly is one of the most respected people not only in our clubhouse but in baseball in general.”
Price has agreed to a three-year contract through the 2016 season. He replaces Dusty Baker, who was dismissed after the Reds lost the Pirates earlier this month in the National League Wild Card Game. Baker was 509-463 (.524) in six seasons in Cincinnati.
“I am impressed with Bryan as a pitching coach, leader and person,” Reds President and CEO Bob Castellini said. “We’re very confident he’ll take the helm as manager of the entire team and lead us in the right direction.”
The Reds pitching staff has ranked seventh, 12th, third and fourth in team ERA in Price’s four seasons at the helm. They were 13th and 15th the previous two seasons. Over the last two seasons, the Reds ERA (3.36) ranks third in MLB.
The Reds led the NL in strikeouts last season and their 17 shutouts were the most since 1973. The starters’ ERA (3.43) was the team’s best since 1974.
Price is the 61st manager in club history.