The Astros cheating scandal has now claimed a third manager.
Just days after A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora lost their managerial jobs stemming from the scandal, newly named Mets manager Carlos Beltran decided to step down from his position. Beltran was hired by New York in November, but MLB’s report into the Astros’ trash-can-clobbering, sign-stealing operation revealed that Beltran played a part in it as a Houston player.
In a Red Sox press conference from last season, for example, Cora called the Yankees’ signing of Beltran as an advisor the team’s biggest offseason acquisition, crediting Beltran’s ability to pick up details.
Though MLB hadn’t levied discipline on Beltran, the Mets and Beltran evidently decided that the scandal would inhibit his ability to manage the team.
The Mets have made it official, saying that they "mutually agreed to part ways" with Carlos Beltran.
Beltran: “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."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) January 16, 2020
Still, the move came as a surprise to MLB fans, and, of course, there were plenty of jokes about Beltran’s undefeated record.
Beltran applying for other manager positions: pic.twitter.com/WOAsAOReV2
— Tony X (@soIoucity) January 16, 2020
The Mets didn't lose a single game under Carlos Beltran's management.
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 16, 2020
Congrats to Carlos Beltran on being undefeated in his tenure with the #Mets
— MLB Memes (@MLBMeme) January 16, 2020
In a way Beltrán most successful manager in Mets history. Never lost a game. Take that haters.
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) January 16, 2020
I consider Carlos Beltran the 16th best manager in Mets history. Just behind Jeff Torborg and ahead of Art Howe.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 16, 2020
Beltran managed as many games for the Mets as Belichick coached for the Jets. https://t.co/lliQQZKLyd
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 16, 2020
METS REMAIN UNDEFEATED UNDER BELTRAN.
— the ham lawman (@thehamlawman) January 16, 2020
Carlos Beltran, undefeated as a manager, has been fired. https://t.co/pYUMk3AWEn
— Bennett Karoll (@TheBennettK) January 16, 2020
Look on the bright side, Carlos Beltran was undefeated as Mets manager.
— D.J. Short (@djshort) January 16, 2020
This is the second time Carlos Beltran getting caught looking has ruined the Mets.
— Chris Cwik (@Chris_Cwik) January 16, 2020
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