Carlos Beltrán. USA Today
The New York Mets announced on Thursday afternoon that they’ve hired Carlos Beltrán to be a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler. Beltrán returns to an organization that he played for, and was very briefly the manager of during the 2019-2020 offseason.
“Carlos had an exceptional playing career, including several special years here in Queens,” Eppler said. “I’ve known Carlos for many years, and I’m excited to add his unique perspective to our Baseball Operations team.”
This move comes three years after the now 45-year-old was hired, then subsequently fired, as the team’s manager. As has been well documented, the reason for the quick change of heart was Beltrán being named in the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal. Worth noting, Jon Heyman of the New York Post previously reported that Beltran was considered for a hitting coach position with the Mets just one year ago.
Beltrán played seven seasons for the Mets spanning from 2005 through 2011. He was a prolific offensive force with New York, as he registered a career .869 OPS, as well as three 100-plus RBI seasons. Beltrán received 46.5 percent of votes in his first year on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor said having his former Team Puerto Rico (WBC in 2017) teammate in the Mets organization would be a “huge asset”. “He’s very knowledgeable. He’s someone that the game needs. I’m super excited to have him,” Lindor said.
