Mets hiring franchise great for front office role

SNY's Andy Martino reports that Beltrán will work as an assistant under Mets GM Billy Eppler in baseball operations. Beltrán has not yet signed a contract with the Mets; however, the process is far enough along that he informed YES on Sunday that he would be leaving.

The Mets hired their former center fielder as their manager in 2019 but fired him before managing a game due to his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros cheating scandal.

Beltrán was the lone player named in commissioner Rob Manfred's report of the cheating, and the Mets discovered it was because he was the scheme's leader. MLB reportedly didn't pressure the Mets to fire Beltrán, but then-team owner Jeff Wilpon believed it was the correct decision to part ways.

Mets manager Buck Showalter considered Beltrán for a position on his coaching staff last year and again as a hitting coach this offseason. 

Martino reported in September that shortstop Francisco Lindor and closer Edwin Díaz would like to see Beltrán, a fellow Puerto Rican, back with the Mets. 

Since purchasing the franchise in 2020, owner Steve Cohen has been committed to honoring its history and greats. By hiring Beltrán, Cohen continues the trend and shows his players that he values their input.

During his seven seasons in Queens, Beltrán had a .280 batting average with 878 hits, 149 HRs, and 559 RBIs. 

Over his 20-year career, Beltrán collected 2,725 hits, 435 HRs, and 1,587 RBIs. He was on the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame voting ballot but didn't receive enough votes to get inducted on his first try. Hopefully, he'll get inducted at some point.

Although Beltrán played a significant role in the Astros cheating scandal, managers Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch landed jobs after their respective firings. It's only fair for Beltrán to receive another chance as well.

Whenever Showalter retires, perhaps Beltrán will be offered the team's managerial job again.