Sunday, July 26 was a special day for the Mets and their fanbase. Carlos Beltrán joined Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza as the only three players to wear Mets caps on their plaques in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pretty remarkable company. The outfielder played seven seasons with the Mets, racking up all kinds of accolades over that time. He made five All-Star appearances, won three Gold Gloves, and two Silver Sluggers. Beltrán never won an MVP, but his best finish came as a Met in 2006, when he finished fourth in voting. He finished his Mets career hitting .280/.369/.500 (.869 OPS) with a 31.1 bWAR, 149 home runs, 559 RBIs and 100 stolen bases across 839 games. Here’s how he ranks all-time in Mets history: third all-time amongst bWAR leaders, fourth in OPS, sixth in OBP, sixth in SLG, seventh in RBIs, doubles and home runs and 10th in runs scored and walks.
Photo via MLB
Beltrán had some amazing things to say about the city of New York and the Mets organization during his speech. “New York shaped my life. It was here where I experienced my greatest success and some of my greatest challenges. It represents a place where I became the best version of myself,” he said. Beltrán also mentioned, “playing for the Mets made me a better man and a better leader.”
A handful of important Mets figures were in attendance for his special day, including owner Steven Cohen, his wife Alex Cohen, and president of baseball operations David Stearns. “I know this year might not look pretty, but what makes me proud is the culture you [Steve and Alex Cohen] have been able to create, making players, families and employees valued, and especially myself. Having experienced different chapters in the Mets organization, I have to tell you guys, I have never been prouder to call myself a Met,” Beltrán said.
While his playing days are over, his story with the Mets may not be completely written. Beltrán’s name has been discussed as a potential option for numerous managerial openings over recent years. The Mets will enter this upcoming offseason in search of a new manager. Could Beltrán be the guy to get the team back on track?
Earlier this month, he mentioned that he had conversations with a few members of the organization about the team’s managerial position after Carlos Mendoza was fired. Beltrán said, “I just didn’t feel it was the right thing for me to do.” At this point, it’s too early to tell who will lead the Mets in 2027. New York has a lot of work to do to get to where they want to be — World Champions. On the field, off the field, across the board. But with his experience and resume, Beltrán would certainly command respect in the clubhouse.
