Astros Fans’ Reaction to Carlos Beltrán’s HOF Election

The Leader of a Scandal

Everything seemed great with Carlos Beltrán’s time with the Astros, but more than two years later, the sign-stealing scandal was publicized. The Astros used a system of a video camera to steal their opponents’ pitch signs in 2017 and relay that to the hitter via a trash can bang in the dugout during the at-bat. The report found that the leader and founder of this system was, in fact, Beltrán. 

The Athletic report showed how strongly Beltrán implemented the scheme and how he refused to stop even when other players, such as Brian McCann, wanted to call it off. It was through his encouragement and support of the rule-breaking system that the Astros kept on going with it. Young stars found it difficult to oppose a veteran of his stature.

Whether this system was effective or not in the postseason remains unclear, but the fact is that he led and encouraged the cheating in 2017. 

This induction sparked debate over how voters view the 2017 season. After all, the sign-stealing scandal ultimately did not affect Beltrán’s significant playing career when he was an impactful player. The cheating was in the last year of his career, when he was 40, and did not affect 99% of his numbers. That shows the difference with the steroid and PED users, such as Barry Bonds, who remain excluded.

What Houston Astros Fans Think

Astros fan reaction was mixed. Beltrán doesn’t have the best name in Houston now, given that he was the main reason why the team installed the trash can banging in 2017. However, his 2004 season with the Astros was successful with a .926 OPS in 90 regular-season games, along with 23 home runs and 53 RBI. 

While some were happy for Beltrán and reminisced about his 2004 days with the team, others did not appreciate what he did in 2017. A lot of comments were hopeful after his induction due to how the voters might view other key players from the 2017 team. In particular, Jose Altuve and his likely Hall of Fame bid. 

This much has been clear to those who understand the reality of that season: Altuve wanted no role and did not participate. He disliked the system. It took Beltrán four years of eligibility to make it into the Hall. Since 2023, his votes have increased to 84% of the vote in 2026. Given time healing his deeds, it looks more possible that Altuve can make it, especially since he didn’t want the system like Beltrán. 

Altuve’s Potential Hall of Fame Bid

The amount of hate Altuve has received has been completely disproportionate to what he did in 2017. If Beltrán, the player who instilled the system, eventually made it, Altuve might have a real chance of getting in. It’s something he 100% deserves given his career achievements and Hall of Fame-worthy numbers. Houston fans were happy to know Beltrán got in, so their hero Altuve can too down the road. There was a concern with Astros faithful that arguably their greatest player in franchise history might not get voted in due to his national perception, but this class likely proved that wrong. 

By the time Altuve is eligible, 2017 would be way in the past. While he played no role, any resentment voters have toward anyone on the team may not play as big a factor, especially given the kind of player Altuve was. He remains an incredible player on and off the field who is one of the greatest second basemen of this generation.