Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US
By Tim Ryder
According to reports, former New York Mets standout and current managerial candidate Carlos Beltran has his sights set on returning to Flushing in a new capacity.
Per Anthony Reiber of Newsday and Nathalie Alonso of MLB.com, Beltran, 42, declined interview requests with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs regarding their managerial vacancies, instead choosing to focus on the job opening in Queens.
“I feel that right now,” Beltran told Alonso. “Living in New York, it’s the right fit for me.”
Andy Martino of SNY reported that Beltran interviewed with Mets brass on Thursday and Jon Heyman of MLB Network labeled the 20-year MLB veteran a “very serious candidate” on Friday.
Beltran would not confirm an interview, as per Alonso, telling MLB, “It’s not appropriate while I’m working for the Yankees to talk about that”.
Beltran’s lack of coaching experience doesn’t appear to phase him much, telling Reiber, “I’m ready”. The Puerto Rican native has been a member of the New York Yankees front office since retiring as a player after the 2017 season.
Beltran interviewed with New York in 2017 for the job that eventually went to Aaron Boone, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman was reportedly so impressed with him, he hired him in a different capacity.
The Mets are meeting with veteran manager Joe Girardi, current Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas, Diamondbacks executive Mike Bell, and Twins bench coach Derek Shelton this week. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com alluded to possible mystery candidates, as well.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Girardi, 54, will be meeting with the Phillies this week and has also interviewed with the Cubs.
We’ll keep you posted as new information becomes available.
