Report: Carlos Beltran a ‘very serious candidate’ for Mets manager job

Many have assumed that the New York Mets will want to hire a manager with previous experience after giving Mickey Callaway his first MLB managerial job did not work out, but we know at least one candidate who does not meet those criteria is being seriously considered.

Carlos Beltran is a “very serious candidate” to become the next manager of the Mets, Jon Heyman of Fancred reports. The former slugger has already been granted an interview with the team, and that is apparently more than just a formality.

Hearing Carlos Beltran is very serious candidate for Mets manager. Has close relationship w/key FO guys Allard Baird and Omar Minaya, both said to support. @Ken_Rosenthal 1st linked CB to job. Interestingly, 3/4 known candidates have no MLB managing experience; also Bell, Shelton

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 11, 2019

Beltran was a fan favorite during his time in New York, where he had a career year with 42 home runs, 116 RBI and an OPS of .982 in 2006. However, Mets owner Fred Wilpon infamously expressed regret over signing Beltran to a seven-year, $119 million contract before the 2005 season when he called himself a “schmuck” in an interview with The New Yorker, so there may be some lingering awkwardness there.

The Mets are pursuing a mix of big names like Joe Girardi and Joe Maddon in addition to some with less experience, but Beltran would probably be a popular hire among fans.