It's official.
The Mets announced on Thursday that former franchise great Carlos Beltran has been hired as a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler .
“Carlos had an exceptional playing career, including several special years here in Queens,” Eppler said. “I’ve known Carlos for many years, and I’m excited to add his unique perspective to our Baseball Operations team.”
Not only will Beltran be a valuable resource to Eppler and the front office, but Francisco Lindor believes he will have an impact in the clubhouse as a liaison between the two sides.
“Huge asset. I think he’s someone that is very knowledgeable, someone who’s had ups and downs in his career, someone that will help Billy and other members of the front office communicate with us,” Lindor told reporters. “Sometimes we can’t really relate because whether they talk a different language or they never really played the game, but having Beltran [who] has done both, he can definitely talk to the players and talk to the front office.
“He’s going to do things, whether it’s watch videos and talks to us, whether it’s hitting, if he finds something to help the pitching staff. He’s very knowledgeable. He’s someone that the game needs and I’m super excited for having him.”
Beltran has served as a mentor to Lindor, a fellow native of Puerto Rico, for quite some time. According to SNY's Andy Martino, Lindor publicly pushed for the Mets to bring back Beltran.
Back in 2021 when Lindor was going through similar first season struggles that Beltran endured in Queens, they often spoke and Lindor sought out advice on how to handle playing under the bright lights of New York.
“He went through the same phase where he was getting it from people, and he said in part ‘They’re booing you, but mostly the results. Give them something to cheer you on and you’ll be fine,’” Lindor said.
“Baseball players need that. You’ve got to stay in the moment.”
Manager Buck Showalter is also pleased by the Beltran hire and is hoping he will serve as a guest instructor during spring training.
“He’s obviously got a great reputation among baseball players as far as his knowledge and the things that he can bring,” Showalter said. “First of all, he’s a great Met. We were considering a lot of players for our guest instructors, but I’m hoping he’ll do that a little bit.
“He always had a calmness about his game that seemed to carry over into after he got through playing. I always remember how much confidence players had in him.”
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