Carlos Beltran Steps Down As Mets Manager

The Carlos Beltran era is over before it ever truly started.

Beltran and the New York Mets mutually agreed to part ways nearly four whole days after Commissioner Rob Manfred named Beltran in his nine-page report on sign-stealing within the Houston Astros organization in 2017.

While Beltran was a player, and received immunity from punishment by the commissioner because of that status, he was named in the report for a reason and many believe he was an intricate member and participant in the cheating scheme.

On Thursday the Mets made it official, just minutes after COO Jeff Wilpon concluded a sign dedication ceremony for Mike Piazza, where the Mets boss got snippy with reporters over questions regarding the former star center fielder.

"We met with Carlos last night and again this morning and agreed to mutually part ways. This is not an easy decision. Considering the circumstances, it became clear to all parties that it was not in anyone's best interest for Carlos to move forward as manager of the New York Mets. We believe that Carlos was honest and forthcoming with us. We are confident that this will not be the final chapter in his baseball career. We remain excited about the talent on this team and are committed to reaching our goal of winning now and in the future."

Beltran issued his own statement: "I am grateful to the Mets for giving me this opportunity, but we agreed this decision is in the best interest of the team. I couldn't let myself be a distraction for the team. I wish the entire organization success in the future."

Bottom line is this had to happen. The fact Beltran was involved, even as a player, was too damning. The video of Alex Cora winking last summer when referencing Beltran's use of "devices" during the Red Sox London series against the Yankees was not a good look.

The Mets couldn't allow this to continue, and they had no choice but to move on from Beltran as manager.

In house candidates like Hensley Meulens and Terry Collins will definitely receive consideration for the job on an interim basis, and there is nothing wrong with that. The Mets need an experience baseball man running the show. That was the problem they faced before they hired Beltran, and it is the same problem now. Either Meulens or Collins will steady the ship for a year -- and if the team wins, perhaps longer.

Bottom line, Carlos Beltran could not manage this team.