Several media personalities wrote via Twitter in the last few hours that they expected the New York Mets to make a decision on Carlos Beltran’s future by today, and they were right. He was appointed as the team skipper on the winter and is now out before managing a game.
A sign-stealing scandal took over baseball and resulted, after an investigation, in suspensions for several Houston Astros staffers, most notably their manager AJ Hinch and their GM Jeff Lunhow. Both were fired, additionally. Alex Cora, who was with the team as a bench coach in 2017 (when the scheme took place) got the axe from the Boston Red Sox. The players involved in the events weren’t punished, however.
People were asking for Beltran’s head because of his implications in the scheme. He participated, and the MLB even named in its report. However, he was a player at the time and the league decided not to punish players.
Statements from the New York Mets and Beltran
“At a meeting this morning with Jeff and Brodie we mutually agreed to part ways. I’m grateful to them for giving me the opportunity, but we agreed this decision is in the best interest of the team. I couldn’t let myself be a distraction for the team. I wish the entire organization success in the future,†Beltran said via a statement.
Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and executive vice president/general manager Brodie Van Wagenen issued the following statement:
“We met with Carlos last night and again this morning and agreed to mutually part ways. This was not an easy decision. 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. We believe that Carlos was honest and forthcoming with us. We are confident that this will not be the final chapter in his baseball career. We remain excited about the talent on this team and are committed to reaching our goals of winning now and in the future.â€
The search for a new manager begins now.