A Hall of Fame outfielder with deep ties to the franchise has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next manager of the New York Mets, according to a recent prediction circulating in baseball circles.
Carlos Beltran, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this summer and spent six seasons starring for the Mets, is being projected to take over as the team’s full-time skipper after the 2026 season. The prediction comes as the Mets prepare for a managerial search following a disappointing campaign that saw them fall out of contention early.
The Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza on June 26 after the team started the year 34-47 and was effectively eliminated from playoff contention by mid-June. Andy Green, previously the club’s vice president of player development, was installed as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Under Green, the Mets have shown modest improvement, going 22-22 since the managerial change. Club officials have made clear, however, that Green will return to a front-office role after the season ends and that a permanent manager will be hired for 2027.
Beltran currently serves as a special assistant to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, giving him an established presence within the organization. He remains highly regarded by team ownership, the front office and many fans after a productive playing career that included elite defense, power and speed in center field.
FanSided writer Jake Elman recently predicted Beltran would land the job.
“We might not need to wait too long for an announcement, either. Beltrán will have his No. 15 retired in September, and wouldn’t that be the best time to inform fans that he’ll be back in the dugout beginning next spring? Assuming that things go as planned, this would mark Beltrán’s second time managing the Mets, though he resigned before spring training in 2020 for his alleged role in the Astros’ cheating scandal.”
Beltran was hired as Mets manager in November 2019 but stepped down by mutual agreement in January 2020 without managing a single regular-season game. The decision followed revelations of his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal during their 2017 championship season. He has since rehabilitated his standing in the game, earning election to the Hall of Fame and rejoining the Mets organization in an advisory capacity in 2023.
The Mets plan to retire Beltran’s No. 15 in a ceremony this September, an honor that underscores his lasting impact on the franchise. He is the ninth player in team history to receive that distinction. Beltran has spoken in the past about his desire to manage at some point, describing it as something on his “bucket list” while emphasizing his satisfaction with his current front-office role.
Supporters of the idea note Beltran’s intimate knowledge of the Mets’ culture, his relationships with current players and his experience mentoring younger talent. As a special assistant, he has worked closely with Stearns and maintained access to the clubhouse, positioning him as a potential bridge between the front office and the dugout.
The Mets entered 2026 with expectations of returning to the postseason after previous success under Mendoza, who guided them to the National League Championship Series in 2024. A high payroll and roster featuring star players raised hopes, but inconsistent play and a poor first half forced the midseason change.
Green has stabilized the club somewhat, yet the organization is looking ahead to a full search. Other names have been mentioned as possible candidates, including former managers with big-league experience and high-profile former players. Beltran’s combination of playing pedigree, organizational familiarity and recent Hall of Fame induction has elevated him in many projections.
Any decision would mark a second chapter for Beltran in a Mets uniform, this time in the dugout rather than on the field. His previous brief tenure ended amid controversy, but the passage of time, his induction into Cooperstown and his ongoing contributions to the organization have shifted the narrative.
The Mets still have several weeks remaining in the regular season under Green. Attention will increasingly turn to the offseason search once the final games are played. Whether Beltran’s number retirement ceremony in September coincides with a managerial announcement remains to be seen, but the prediction has added fresh intrigue to the franchise’s future leadership plans.
Beltran’s playing statistics with the Mets included strong production across multiple seasons, helping solidify his place among the team’s all-time greats. His return to a more prominent role would resonate with a fan base that has long appreciated his contributions both on and off the field.
As the 2026 season winds down, the Mets face the challenge of evaluating candidates who can restore consistency and contending ambitions. Beltran’s name near the top of early lists reflects both his history with the club and the unique circumstances surrounding this particular opening.
The coming months will determine whether the Hall of Famer gets a second opportunity to manage the team he once starred for and now assists behind the scenes.
