After being let go before managing a single game in the wake of his role in the Astros’ sign stealing scandal, did Carlos Beltran ever think his first role back with an MLB team would be the Mets?
“No chance,” Beltran laughed. “No clue. That’s how the world goes around. I was home and was fine doing what I was doing with the YES Network…I think that opportunity created this opportunity. When you’re in the game and stay in the game and you stay relevant, people get to see your face and see you around.”
But Beltan is back with New York, hired as a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler, three years after he was hired as the team’s manager, then quickly replaced by Luis Rojas. Beltran’s role now has him working with players at spring training, though he will mainly be in a front office role during the season.
Beltran said there were offers from other teams to be a part of their coaching staffs, but he elected to come work for Eppler and back with the Mets, where he thought he would be in 2020.
“Yeah, there were a lot of teams that wanted to hire me, and wanted me to be on the field,” Beltran said. “That wasn’t what I was looking for, to be full uniform on the field. Basically, I said no, but left the doors open. when this opportunity came, it was a no-brainer for me.
“I spent seven years here, man. This organization is part of who I am as a ballplayer. I went through moments here with this organization that made me a better player…my job as a player that experienced playing in New York, I have to find a way to be able to support the guys that come here on a new contract.”
As for whether he would be open to becoming a manager if the opportunity presented itself, Beltran is keeping his focus on helping this Mets team in his current role, though he won’t rule out that possibility.
“At this point, I’m thinking about what I have to do for the organization, but you can never say no when you love the game,” Beltran said. “I'm okay where I am, but later on, I don't know.”
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