The New York Mets and manager Carlos Beltran announced they had mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday afternoon, widening the fallout from the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.
Beltran became the third manager to lose his job over his role in the scheme. Houston manager AJ Hinch was fired by the Astros in the scandal’s wake, and Alex Cora parted ways with the Red Sox earlier this week.
Beltran Only Player Named in MLB Report
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a report on Monday that detailed the extent of the Astros cheating during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The team used video cameras and trash cans to signal batters as to what opposing pitchers were about to throw.
Hinch managed those teams, while Cora was the bench coach for Houston in 2017. Beltran played on the 2017 team, and was the only player mentioned in the report.
“Approximately two months into the 2017 season, a group of players, including Carlos Beltran, discussed that the team could improve on decoding opposing teams’ signs and communicating the signs to the batter,†the report read. “Cora arranged for a video room technician to install a monitor displaying the center field camera feed immediately outside of the Astros’ dugout … one or more players watched the live feed of the center field camera on the monitor, and after decoding the sign, a player would bang a nearby trash can with a bat to communicate the upcoming pitch type to the batter.â€
The Mets hired Beltran in November to replace Mickey Callaway. Beltran will finish his time with New York without ever having managed a game.
“We met with Carlos last night and again this morning, and agreed to mutually part ways,†read a statement released by Mets COO Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. “Considering the circumstances, it became clear to all parties that it was not in anyone’s best interest for Carlos to move forward as manager of the New York Mets.â€
Beltran also released a statement saying that he was in agreement, and that his leaving is what’s best for the team moving forward.
Statement from Carlos Beltrán. pic.twitter.com/gv9NNIzoQd
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 16, 2020
“I couldn’t let myself be a distraction for the team,†Beltran wrote. “I wish the entire organization success in the future.â€
Mets Looking Inside Organization for Replacement
The Mets already faced uncertainly coming into the 2020 season. While their young and talented roster offers optimism for fans, the team failed to sign any big-name free agents in the off-season, making it unclear as to whether they can contend for a title this year.
That left New York in a familiar position: that of a fringe contender. FanDuel Sportsbook has the Mets as a +2100 choice to win the World Series, with a modest win total of 87.5, which would put them in contention for a wild-card spot.
The Mets haven’t announced a replacement for Beltran. Mets quality control coach, Luis Rojas, has been rumored as a possibility, as he is well-respected inside the organization. Former Mets manager Terry Collins is also considered a candidate, and is currently working in an advisory role to Van Wagenen.
