Carlos Beltran steps down as Mets’ manager

Carlos Beltran has informed the New York Mets that he is stepping down as manager, bringing an end to a bizarre and disappointing saga that didn’t even involve the franchise to begin with. The team confirmed the news later in the afternoon with a statement, saying that they have “mutually agreed to part ways” with Beltran.

Following the news, Beltran said:

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.

Beltran was named in the report released by Rob Manfred and Major League Baseball outlining the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing efforts during the 2017 season, which ended with Houston winning the first World Series championship in franchise history. In the aftermath of the report, Houston manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow were suspended and subsequently fired, while Red Sox manager Alex Cora lost his job with Boston for his role in the scandal.

While the Commissioner didn’t punish any players involved, Beltran was the only player specifically named in the report and, as a result, people began to question whether the franchise would fire him. In the end, Beltran and the team agreed to move on. He was set to become the 22nd manager in club history prior to the revelations. In total, Beltran lasted 76 days as Mets’ skipper without ever managing a single game.

According to Ken Rosenthal, Luis Rojas’s name has emerged as a possible replacement. In addition to Rojas, the team could promote bench coach Hensley Meulens, or could return to Eduardo Perez, who finished second to Beltran in the original search. With spring training 25 days away, the team will need to act quickly as they look to fill their managerial vacancy before the start of the season.