Carlos Beltrán, now in his fourth season grinding it out in the New York Mets front office, just dropped a bombshell that’s gonna send shockwaves through Queens. He’s leaving the door wide open for potentially managing the club when they start their big search this offseason. This isn’t just a casual comment; it’s a massive statement from a guy with a complicated history with the franchise.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round in Queens
Let’s be real, the Mets’ manager situation has been a mess. Andy Green has been holding down the fort as interim manager since June 26, stepping in after Carlos Mendoza got fired. Mendoza’s run was brutal, starting the season at 34-47. Green’s done a *bit* better, pulling out a 36-37 record heading into Saturday’s game. But don’t get too comfortable: Green has already said he intends on returning to his normal job as senior vice president for player development once the season wraps. So, this search is happening, no question.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is the man leading the charge, and he’s got some heavy hitters to consider. ESPN’s Buster Olney says Beltrán is a potential candidate, alongside Albert Pujols. Yeah, *that* Albert Pujols. The dude already proved he can lead a squad, managing Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Professional Baseball League during the 2024-25 season, and he led them to a Serie Final victory, winning the LIDOM championship. He knows how to win, point blank.
Beltrán’s Unfinished Business
But Beltrán? His story with the Mets manager gig is pure drama. Remember when he was *the guy*, hired in November 2019 to replace Mickey Callaway? Then, BAM! Just two months later, he agreed to step down. Why? Because he got named in MLB’s investigation into the 2017 Houston Astros cheating scandal, as someone who “helped created the plan.” The league didn’t discipline him, which is wild, but the Mets officials reportedly wanted a clean break. They needed to avoid any potential distractions, and you can’t blame them, but it left a massive “what if” hanging over the team. After spending 2022 as a New York Yankees analyst for the YES Network, he found his way back to Queens as a special assistant in the front office. It’s been a roundabout journey, to say the least.
Now, with the Mets sitting at a dismal 70-84 record, they’ve been officially eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight season. Ouch. Talk about a freefall after reaching the NLCS in 2024. Stearns has a monumental task ahead of him this offseason. With Beltrán putting his name in the hat and Pujols bringing that championship managing experience, this isn’t just a coaching search, it’s a full-on identity crisis for the Mets. What’s at stake? The soul of the franchise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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