Carlos

Beltrán spent seven seasons (2005-2011) of his 20-year playing career with the Mets, becoming one of the best-hitting outfielders in club history. He has finally seen his name enshrined in Cooperstown after getting selected on his fourth year of eligibility.

During his tenure with the Mets, Beltrán was a five-time All-Star (2005-2007, 2009 and 2011), a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2006, 2007), a three-time Gold Glove Award winner (2006-2008), and at the time, tied the Mets' single-season record for home runs with 41 homers during the 2006 season.

The 49-year-old had a lot to say and people to thank during his induction speech, including praising owners Steve and Alex Cohen for building a strong culture with the Mets, despite a disastrous year in Flushing, Queens.

"I know this year might not look pretty, but what makes me proud is the culture that you have been able to create," Beltrán said.

Since retiring after the 2017 season, Beltrán has remained very active around the Mets. He was hired by then-Mets general manager Billy Eppler prior to the 2023 season as a special assistant in the front office and has since held that position when David Stearns was named president of baseball operations after the 2023 campaign.

Beltrán is also seen as one of the favorites to become the Mets' new manager after New York fired Carlos Mendoza a month ago. Beltrán was even recently asked about taking the managerial job midseason following Mendoza's dismissal, saying that the timing wasn't right at the moment.

Whether he takes the job or not next season, Beltrán is certainly loved by Mets fans everywhere and thanked them during his speech.

"To the Mets fans, thank you for believing in me. You challenged me, you let me know when I needed to be better, and that was a lot of times. I got to hear those boos, but I also appreciate your support along the way," Beltrán said.

While times may be brutal for the Mets right now, Beltrán still offered his gratitude to the Cohens for what they have been trying to build since buying the team nearly six years ago. Beltrán will also be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on September 19 and will have his No. 15 jersey retired.