Carlos Beltrán arrived at Clover Park on Wednesday and took some time to talk with the media about what it means to him to be back with the organization as a special assistant to Mets GM Billy Eppler. The former All-Star also spoke about his transition from manager, to TV commentator, to now being back with the organization three years later.
It was a moment that just looked and felt right as Beltran was back in the blue and orange and speaking with the media from the Mets dugout. His demeanor and excitement seemed different, and you could tell he knew and was excited about having a second chance to be back with the Mets in a front office role.
On His New Role and Working with Minor Leaguers
“Honestly speaking, I’m excited to be around and looking forward to contribute to the organization, to the coaches, to the players, to the minor league guys,” Beltrán said.
Beltrán expressed how the position he is in as special assistant will allow him to be around players at both the minor- and major-league levels.
Carlos Beltran said his primary motivation in his new role with the Mets is aiding minor league players.
“You need people to care about you” in the minors, he said, and he hopes to be that to players in the Mets organization.
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) February 22, 2023
“When you’re in the minor-league system, you need love. You need people to care about you. And that’s why I’m motivated” Beltrán said. “I’m motivated because I didn’t have that person and I hope I can be that person for those kids.”
On His Time Away
Beltrán said he missed being around the players and the game after he was let go from his managerial role.
“I love the game, I love talking baseball, so even though I was doing the TV gig, it was not the same,” said Beltrán.
After being fired as Mets manager just three years ago for his role in the Astros sign-stealing scandal, Beltrán said he could have not envisioned his return to the game coming with the same organization.
“No chance, no clue. That’s how the world goes around,” he said with a chuckle.
On Whether He Would Manage Again
When asked about whether he would consider managing again, Beltrán that said right now he is thinking about what he can do for the Mets organization, but you “never say no when you love the game.”
Carlos Beltrán said he’s happy where he’s at with his role right now, but he doesn’t know how he’ll feel about managing a team down the road.
He also said he thought there was “no chance” he’d be back with the Mets after parting ways in 2020. pic.twitter.com/OzLLRkeUjo
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) February 22, 2023
On Discussions With Other Teams
Beltrán stated that other teams reached out to him about being a coach who would be “full time on the field,” but ultimately his career with the Mets and his love for the organization made his decision a no-brainer when the call came.
“When this opportunity came, it was a no-brainer for me to say yes, to be back in this organization.” Beltrán said. “This organization is part of who I am as a ballplayer. I went through moments here that made me a better ballplayer.”
A special message from @carlosbeltran15: pic.twitter.com/JZtE3EJrXA
— New York Mets (@Mets) February 22, 2023
On Playing in New York
Beltrán noted that his experience of playing for many years in the Mets organization for seven years will allow him to help the younger players beginning their careers in New York.
“The tensions players feel playing in this city, it’s different, and they test you, and they push you, and most importantly they push you to be better and to be a guy who goes out there and plays hard and contributes,” said Beltrán .
