SerpApi.Org
Mets legend Jose Reyes did his best to convince former teammate Carlos Beltran that he was the right man for New York’s manager position.
Last month, the Mets seemingly waved the white flag on the 2026 MLB season by firing manager Carlos Mendoza, who compiled a 206-199 record (.509 winning percentage) during his tenure in the Big Apple. While New York replaced the 46-year-old with Andy Green on an interim basis, rumors have already begun to swirl around who could fill the skipper role on a permanent basis.
Speaking to Mirror U.S. Sports at Saturday’s Sports Illustrated Beyond the Pitch New York, Reyes shed light on a heart-to-heart conversation he had with Beltran about pursuing the job.
• Caitlin Clark refuses to take part in WNBA event as suspension looms
• Lionel Messi hands MLS blow just days after 'rat' behavior in World Cup final
“I went to see Carlos Beltran yesterday, and I was talking to him,” the ex-shortstop said. “And I told him, ‘Bro. Straight from my heart, you’re the guy for this job.’
“He doesn’t know yet, but he’s maybe thinking about it. You know, I talked to him for a little bit. He didn’t say no, but he didn’t say yes. But he's the man for the job.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Beltran revealed that the Mets even reached out to gauge his interest in succeeding Mendoza.
Yet Beltran admitted that he “didn’t feel it was the right thing” to do, citing his close friendship with Mendoza, whom he described as a “great human being.” The 49-year-old explained: “Yes, I had conversations with a few people within the organization, and I don’t know, I just didn’t feel it was the right thing for me to do.
“And I have to tell you that, having the opportunity to manage, I would say that that’s probably in my bucket list.”
Beltran added that he is more than happy in his active role as special assistant to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, continuing: “I love the work that I do, because it gives me the opportunity to be around the people that are making important decisions. It allows me to give my perspective on situations, players, strategies or whatever comes when it's related to winning.”
Back in November 2019, Beltran briefly served as Mets manager before infamously getting caught up in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scheme during their 2017 championship run. Upon being the only player named in MLB’s report, New York relieved him of his duties in January 2020.
While Beltran is flattered to once again be considered for a managerial position, the nine-time All-Star admitted that he wasn’t ready to take on the challenge just yet.
• Red-hot MLB rookie undergoes emergency surgery on sickening testicle injury
• MLB fan 'slapped' by fellow supporter for sitting during national anthem
“I understand that my name has been mentioned about being a manager and all that, and I’m proud of that,” he declared. “Just the thought that people can think that I can manage a Major League ball club, I … take that very positively.
“But at the same time, I don’t know, man, I’ve got to think deeply about what my next step is going to be.”
With Beltran seemingly taking his name out of the running for the Mets’ position, Reyes noted that New York could turn to another viable candidate who’s already expressed interest in the job.
“Then we got Albert Pujols, too,” Reyes said. “Those are the kind of guys that you want in your clubhouse.”
Speaking to MLB Network on the heels of Mendoza’s firing, Pujols — who managed the Dominican Republic during this year’s World Baseball Classic — shared that he would be interested in taking over as Mets skipper.
"I think you have an owner that wants to win and wants to spend, that's huge," he said. "You have the talent in the field, although this year hasn't been great for them."
As for which candidate Reyes would rather see lead the Amazin’s, he said: “You know Carlos Beltran is the guy. I played with Carlos. I got a good relationship with Carlos. I got a good relationship with Albert Pujols, too, but I have to go with Carlos.”
