Why the Mets should hire Carlos Beltran as the next manager

Carlos Beltran is one of the early candidates to replace Mickey Callaway as manager of the New York Mets. He’s also my top choice for the gig.

The Mickey Callaway era is now a footnote in New York Mets history. After a tumultuous two seasons in the big apple, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has officially announced the team’s intentions of moving in another direction.

The 2019 season proved that the Mets’ postseason aspirations are legitimate. The Mets had the most wins amongst non-playoff teams in the National League. If a few games broke their way, the team would have had a chance to compete in the postseason.

The questions surrounding the managerial candidates have many Mets fans excited about the team’s future. The potential list of candidates is riddled with former World Series and Manager of the Year winners. After watching Callaway experience leadership growing pains and struggle to manage the bullpen and lineup, many fans are also excited about the concept of having a skipper with more MLB experience.

However, while the team may be tempted to shy away from hiring another first-time manager, there is one candidate that I believe to be the best fit with the team: former Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. Here are a few reasons why he could thrive as manager.

He would relate well with a young and talented roster.

This was clearly an issue during Callaway’s tenure with the team. Whether it was a failure to communicate with Robinson Cano during his benching or ongoing tension with Noah Syndergaard, it never seemed as though Callaway connected well with his players. Whether it was mistrust or a lack of respect, there were clearly leadership issues under the last regime.

A recent player like Beltran would likely be able to relate to his talent in a much more effective manner. Beltran is also reportedly an excellent communicator in both English and Spanish. Who better to understand the mind of a player than someone who was on a roster as recently as 2017?

He would instantly command respect in the clubhouse.

Every player on the Mets’ roster would be familiar with Beltran’s resume. The nine-time All-Star is a former Rookie of the Year (1999), a three-time Gold Glove winner, and a former World Series champion (2017). Many credible MLB analysts expect Beltran to eventually make the illustrious Hall of Fame.

Whether dealing with longtime veterans or promising young talent, Beltran would be heard and respected every time he spoke.

He would bring a new energy.

In Callaway’s case, the excitement surrounding his hiring was based solely on his fresh perspective. Someone like Beltran would bring a youthful energy that Callaway couldn’t provide. Imagine Beltran becoming for the Mets what Aaron Boone is for the Yankees. While Beltran does have some experience in MLB front office work he would also provide a fresh perspective on the game.

While names longtime skippers like Joe Girardi, Buck Showalter, and John Gibbons have all been mentioned, there are serious doubts about their ability to bring the same energy and culture as a recent player like Beltran. It would be crucial for the Mets to compliment the potential first-time manager with a staff of experienced assistants.

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However, despite concerns about his inexperience, the Mets should seriously consider continuing the same unorthodox hiring approach that resulted in the additions of Brodie Van Wagenen and Jessica Mendoza by naming Carlos Beltran as the 22nd manager in team history.