Carlos Beltrán declined to comment on his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, insisting that he prefers to focus on his new role with the New York Mets.
“Today is not the time to talk about the Astros,” Beltrán said Wednesday. “Today it’s time to talk about the Mets.”
Beltrán was hired by the Mets on November 1, 2019 to replace Mickey Callaway as manager. But the team cut him the next on January 16, and he couldn’t even manage a game.
Beltrán’s departure was announced three days after he was the only Astros player mentioned by name in the Major League Baseball report that concluded Houston broke the rules by using electronic devices to steal signs en route to winning the MLB championship. 2017 World Series.
“I felt that this was a situation that needed to happen and move on,” Beltrán said.
The Puerto Rican returned to the Mets last week when he was appointed as special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler. Beltrán maintained that he had no expectations of returning to the organization.
“Not at all,” Beltrán said. “No idea. It is the world. When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice to say yes.”
Beltrán received 46.5% of the vote in his first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot this year. He fell well short of the 75% minimum to be exalted. His involvement in the scandal surely influenced the decision of the voters.
“It didn’t bother me,” Beltrán said. “I am aware that he had to go through a difficult moment in the race. I am also aware that he had fans who have ceased to be. But at the end of the day, I get to live my life. I have to continue”.
Beltrán revealed that several clubs offered him opportunities as a field coach this season. He described his new role as a bridge between the players and the front offices, helping players handle the pressure of playing in New York.
“They test you, they demand you, but the most important thing is that they demand you to be better,” Beltrán said.
He also wants to be the mentor he didn’t get when he came up in the Kansas City organization.
“Just because you couldn’t have someone doesn’t mean you can’t be,” Beltrán said. “In my case, I feel that when you are in the minor leagues you need affection. You need people who are aware of what you do. That’s why I’m motivated because I didn’t have that person, and I hope to be that person for these guys.”
The 45-year-old nine-time All-Star played with the Mets from 2005-2011. He is sixth on the team’s all-time list in home runs (149) and RBIs (559). Beltrán won the 1999 American League Rookie of the Year award with Kansas City. He also played for San Francisco, St. Louis and the Yankees, posting a .279 career average with 435 home runs and 312 stolen bases.
Beltrán does not rule out being a manager in the future.
“You can never say no when you love baseball, you love being around players and being able to help them make their careers better,” he said. “Right now I feel comfortable with what I do, but I don’t know if later.”