The New York Mets appear headed toward another major change in the dugout following a disappointing 2026 season, and one familiar name has emerged as a potential solution.
According to a report highlighted by Heavy, Hall of Famer and Mets legend Carlos Beltran will become the team’s next full-time manager once the season concludes. The Mets have already made it clear that interim manager Andy Green is not expected to remain in the role beyond 2026.
Carlos Beltran Emerges as a Potential Favorite
Beltran has strong ties to the organization. He spent seven seasons with the Mets from 2005 through 2011 and became one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. He is now a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, having been inducted in July 2026 as the third player to enter Cooperstown with a Mets cap on his plaque.
The former superstar also remains connected to the organization. Beltran currently works as a special assistant to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, giving him an existing relationship with the front office.
FanSided’s Jake Elman recently predicted that Beltran could be the man chosen to take over the Mets’ dugout next season. The timing could also make sense because the Mets are scheduled to retire Beltran’s No. 15 in September.
Beltran Already Had One Mets Managerial Opportunity
This would not be Beltran’s first opportunity to manage the Mets.
New York hired him as its manager ahead of the 2020 season after parting ways with Mickey Callaway. However, Beltran never managed a game for the club. He resigned before spring training after his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal became public.
Beltran has since remained involved in baseball and has continued to express interest in managing. In fact, after Carlos Mendoza was fired on June 26, the Mets reportedly spoke with Beltran about taking over immediately. He declined at the time, largely because of his Hall of Fame commitments.
Mets Looking for a New Direction
Mendoza was dismissed after the Mets opened the season 34-47 and fell out of serious playoff contention. Andy Green was subsequently installed as interim manager. Since Mendoza’s firing, New York has shown some improvement, but the organization has maintained that it intends to conduct a search for a permanent manager after the season.
Beltran’s familiarity with the franchise, his playing experience and his existing connection with the front office could make him an appealing candidate.
Still, the decision is not guaranteed. Some analysts have questioned whether the Mets should hire a manager without significant coaching experience and have suggested more experienced candidates such as David Ross, Brandon Hyde or Rocco Baldelli.
For now, Beltran remains a prediction rather than an official choice. But with the Mets preparing to search for a new manager this offseason, the possibility of the Hall of Fame slugger finally managing a game for New York is becoming increasingly intriguing.
