Carlos Beltrán

Carlos Iván Beltrán (; born April 24, 1977) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder from 1998 to 2017 for the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. A right-handed thrower and switch hitter, Beltrán stands tall and weighs .

Beltrán was the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 1999 while with the Royals. He was named to nine MLB All-Star Games and won three Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Slugger Awards. Beltrán was the fifth player to reach both 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases and just the fourth switch hitter with 400 home runs. He has the highest success rate in stealing bases (88.3%) of any major league player with 300 or more career attempts. He also joined the 30–30 club in 2004. In 2013, Beltrán was named the recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. He retired after the 2017 season, winning a World Series title with the Houston Astros.

Beltrán was among the best all-time statistical hitters in postseason games, which has earned him nicknames such as "The New Mr. October", "Mr. October, Jr.", "Señor Octubre", and "the real Mr. October" from the media. In 56 plate appearances during the 2004 playoffs, he scored 21 runs to set a record for most runs scored in one postseason (Jose Altuve has since tied the record).

Beltrán was revealed as the alleged master in the Astros' illegal sign stealing scheme during their 2017 championship season. The scandal broke in late 2019, after an investigation by league officials, the commissioner, and the media. Beltrán, who had recently been hired as the Mets' manager, stepped down without managing a game.

Early life

In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen. He was originally a shortstop before moving to the outfield. He graduated from Fernando Callejo High School in 1995.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The Kansas City Royals selected Beltrán in the second round of the 1995 Major League Baseball draft. After he signed, the Royals assigned him to the Gulf Coast Royals of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Originally only hitting right-handed, he batted .276 with no home runs. During the off-season, Beltrán taught himself to hit left-handed, with advice from New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams and Royals minor league coach Kevin Long. In 1996, he played for the Spokane Indians of the Class A-Short Season Northwest League, and the Lansing Lugnuts of the Class A Midwest League. In 1997 he spent the entire season playing for the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League. He began the 1998 season with Wilmington and received a promotion to the Wichita Wranglers of the Class AA Texas League.Carlos Beltran Minor League Statistics
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.

Kansas City Royals (1998-2004)

1998–99

Beltrán made his major league debut on September 14, 1998, playing 15 games. Unlike many players, he never played in Triple-A. In 14 games of the 1998 baseball year, Beltrán got 16 hits, 5 doubles, 3 triples, and 7 RBIs with a .276 batting average during his time in the majors.Carlos Beltran Stats
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.

By 1999, he won the job as the Royals' starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. He displayed significant power by midsummer and was moved to the #3 slot in the batting order.1999 Kansas City Royals Batting Orders
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Beltrán won the American League Rookie of the Year award, batting .293 with 22 home runs, 108 runs batted in (RBIs) and 27 stolen bases in 156 games played. On September 27, 1999, Beltrán made the final out at Tiger Stadium, striking out against relief pitcher Todd Jones as the Detroit Tigers beat the Royals 8–2.

2000–2003

Injuries restricted Beltrán to 98 games during the 2000 season and he slumped to .247,Posnanski, Joe
Carlos Beltran, from Royals project to Paul Newman
NBC Sports. October 15, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2017. losing his center field position to the popular Johnny Damon.2000 Kansas City Royals Batting Orders
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017. After Damon was traded to the Oakland Athletics following the season, Beltrán regained his job in 2001 and recaptured his rookie form. He batted .306 with 24 home runs and 101 RBIs in that season, followed by lines of .273-29-105 in 2002 and .307-26-100 in 2003.

2004

In 2003, Beltrán batted .194 in April. His luck changed in 2004, as Beltrán began the year with eight home runs and 19 RBIs and was selected as American League Player of the Month for April.

In the first 69 games of the 2004 season, Beltrán batted .278 with 15 homers, 51 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Playing for a small market club and represented by agent Scott Boras, Beltrán endured trade rumors through the 2003 and 2004 seasons. As the end of his contract neared, the two sides failed to negotiate a long-term deal. Following an interleague doubleheader loss to the last-place Montreal Expos, Royals' general manager Allard Baird informed reporters that he was preparing to dismantle the team and rebuild it for the 2005 season.

Houston Astros (2004)

On June 24, 2004, the Royals traded Beltrán to the Houston Astros in a three-team deal, which also sent relief pitcher Octavio Dotel from the Astros to the Oakland Athletics, while the Royals picked up Oakland minor leaguers (pitcher Mike Wood and third-baseman Mark Teahen) and Astros' catcher John Buck.A's acquire Dotel; Royals get 3 prospects
Associated Press. June 28, 2004. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

While still a Royal, Beltrán had been selected as an AL starting outfielder for the 2004 All-Star Game. After being traded to the Astros, Beltrán was ruled ineligible for the AL roster and was not listed on the NL roster. However, after NL starter Ken Griffey Jr., went on the disabled list, Beltrán was named his substitute.Lukas, Paul
Trades lead to odd All-Star unis
ESPN.com. June 8, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

For the rest of the 2004 season with the Astros, Beltrán played 90 games, batting .258 with 23 home runs, 53 RBI, and 28 stolen bases. Overall in 2004 combined with both teams he played for, Beltrán played 159 games with a .267 batting average, 38 home runs, 42 stolen bases, 104 RBI, and 121 runs scored.

In the 2004 playoffs, Beltrán tied Barry Bonds' single post-season record with eight home runs. He hit one in each of the first four games of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the St. Louis Cardinals, including the game-winner in Game 4. Counting his two home-run performance in Game 5 of the previous playoff round in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves, Beltrán clubbed at least one home run in a record-setting five consecutive postseason games, outnumbered only by Daniel Murphy's home runs in six consecutive postseason games in 2015. In 12 games in the 2004 playoffs, Beltrán batted .435 with 14 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

New York Mets (2005-2011)

2005–06

Following the 2004 season, Beltrán became a free agent. The New York Yankees were tipped as favorites and Beltrán allegedly offered them a $19 million discount. The Yankees declined and the crosstown New York Mets signed him to a seven-year, $119-million contract, the biggest in franchise history at the time. It became the tenth contract in baseball history to surpass $100 million.

On August 11, 2005, in a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Beltrán was seriously injured after colliding head-to-head with fellow Mets outfielder Mike Cameron when both were diving to catch a ball in shallow right center field. Cameron missed the rest of the season with a concussion, temporary loss of vision, and two broken cheekbones. Beltrán suffered vertigo for a while, although both players eventually recovered.

A quadriceps injury bothered him most of the 2005 season and limited his speed. In 582 at bats, Beltrán's stats included career lows in batting average (.266), home runs (16), RBIs (78), runs scored (83), and stolen bases (17). Despite the limited participation, he was still voted to his second All-Star team.

Beltrán played for Puerto Rico in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, joining Carlos Delgado, Bernie Williams, Javier Vázquez, Iván Rodríguez and others on the team managed by St. Louis Cardinals third base coach José Oquendo.2006 World Baseball Classic - Cuba vs Puerto Rico - March 15, 2006
Getty Images. Retrieved November 4, 2017. His 2006 season was an upgrade on his first year in New York. Boosted by 10 home runs in May, he surpassed his home run total from the previous year before the season was half over.Carlos Beltran 2006 Batting Gamelogs
Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 4, 2017. Beltrán's performance secured him a spot in the 2006 All-Star Game, his third. Five other Mets joined him, including three as starters. Beltrán was a standout for the NL as the only batter with multiple hits, along with two stolen bases. He scored the go-ahead run that gave the National League a 2–1 lead in the third inning, though the American League won the game. He hit grand slams in consecutive games on July 16 and 18, becoming the 23rd player to do so.Beltran and Mets Slam the Reds, 8-3
LA Times. July 19, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Another grand slam at the end of July made him only the third Met to hit three in one season.Beltran, Mets tie records for grand slams in month
Associated Press. July 31, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Beltrán continued to produce with a walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 22, off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen.STL@NYM: Beltran blasts a walk-off two-run homer
MLB Youtube Channel. Retrieved November 4, 2017. It was Beltrán's second walk-off of the season, following a 16th-inning gamewinner against the Phillies.Botte, Peter
Beltran Shot is Sweet in 16. Carlos' HR sparks Mets in marathon
NY Daily News. May 24, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

Beltrán's 41 home runs tied the Mets' single season record for homers, matching Todd Hundley's total in 1996. (This record was broken by Pete Alonso in 2019.) His 127 runs scored gave him sole possession of the Mets' single season franchise mark.New York Mets Top 10 Single-Season Batting Leaders
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017. He and teammate José Reyes won the Silver Slugger Award at their respective positions.2006 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger teams announced
MLB.com. November 11, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017. He also tied for the major league lead in times reached base on an error (13).

Beltrán's defense was also recognized during the 2006 season, as he received his first Gold Glove award. He made only two errors in 372 chances to give him a .995 fielding percentage, and recorded 13 outfield assists and six double plays. He also won a Fielding Bible Award as the top fielding center fielder in MLB. Beltrán came fourth in the National League MVP award voting, behind winner Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, and Lance Berkman.Howard beats out Pujols to win NL MVP award
Associated Press. November 22, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Returning to the playoffs, Beltrán hit three home runs in the NLCS, bringing his career playoff total to 11 home runs in 22 games. However, with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the NLCS against the Cardinals, Beltrán struck out looking against Adam Wainwright, ending the New York Mets season.

2007–08

In 2007, Beltrán hit below .230 from May to July. However, he improved in August and September, finishing with a .276 batting average and 112 RBIs.Carlos Beltran 2007 Batting Gamelogs
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017. In July, he made his fourth All-Star Game appearance and upon the conclusion of the season, won his second straight Gold Glove award.

In 2008, Beltrán batted .284 with 27 home runs and 112 RBI. In the final game before the All-Star game, Beltrán hit his 15th home run of the season. On August 29, Beltrán collected all five RBIs for the Mets including a grand slam with two outs in the 9th to give the Mets a 5–2 lead. The Mets won this game 5–4. Beltrán hit the last and only Mets home run in the final regular season game at Shea Stadium (the last home run was by Dan Uggla). The home run was a two-run shot that tied the game 2–2 against the Florida Marlins. Beltrán won his third straight Gold Glove award in the outfield for the Mets. He also won his second Fielding Bible Award as the top MLB center fielder in 2008.

2009–2011

Beltrán recorded his 1,000th RBI against Scott Olsen (Washington Nationals) with a triple in the third inning on April 24, 2009.

In the voting for the 2009 All Star Game, Beltrán was third among NL outfielders (2,812,295 votes), trailing only Ryan Braun (4,138,559) and Raúl Ibañez (4,053,355).

On January 13, 2010, Beltrán had surgery on his knee and was originally expected to miss 8–12 weeks. The procedure was performed by Beltrán's personal physician Dr. Richard Steadman. The Mets stated that the surgery was done without their consent, and the team expressed their disappointment with Beltrán's decision. However, Beltrán's agent, Scott Boras, claimed that the Mets consented to the procedure. Beltrán played his first game of the 2010 season on July 15.

Due to his declining defense, in 2011, Beltrán was moved from center field to right field. On May 12, 2011, playing against the Colorado Rockies, Beltrán hit three two-run home runs in a 9–5 Mets' victory. It was the first three-home run game of his career, and he became only the eighth Mets hitter in history to hit three home runs in a single game.

San Francisco Giants (2011)

On July 28, 2011, after he waived his no-trade clause, the Mets traded Beltrán to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitching prospect Zack Wheeler. The Mets also sent $4 million cash to the Giants to cover Beltrán's remaining $6.5 million contract, which expired at the end of the 2011 season.Sullivan, Jeff
Carlos Beltran Trade Accepted; Giants Send Zack Wheeler To Met
SBNation.com. July 28, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

The day after the trade, Beltrán got his first hit with the Giants (an RBI single to left field in the first inning), going 1-for-5 while playing right field against the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants eventually lost to the Reds 4–3 in thirteen innings.Carlos Beltran 2011 Batting Gamelogs
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

On September 14, Beltrán hit two solo home runs against San Diego Padres' starting pitcher Mat Latos. The shot gave him 20 home runs for the season and 300 for his career. Prior to this game, Beltrán had never hit against Latos. Both home runs were hit to the right side of the field with Beltrán batting from the left side. The 299th hit the arcade, and the 300th landed in McCovey Cove which increased the "Splash Hit" count to 59.Mccauley, Janie
Latos gives up 2 homers to Beltran in Padres' loss
September 14, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Both home runs proved to be crucial, as the Giants swept the Padres in a 3-game series, with a score of 3–1. His home runs in the series accounted for 4 out of the 14 runs.Center, Bill

San Diego Union Tribune. September 14, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

For the rest of the 2011 season with the Giants, Beltrán played 44 games batting .323 with 7 home runs and 18 RBI. Overall in 2011 combined with both teams he played for, Beltrán played 142 total games batting .300 with 22 home runs and 84 RBI.

St. Louis Cardinals (2012-2013)

2012

On December 22, 2011, Beltrán agreed to a two-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals worth $26 million which included a full no-trade clause. After Beltrán signed with the Cardinals, he attained numerous milestones, personal as well other firsts.

On April 4, 2012 Opening Day, Beltrán recorded the first-ever hit in a regular-season game at Marlins Park against Josh Johnson of the Miami Marlins.STL@MIA: Beltran records first hit at Marlins Park
MLB Youtube Channel. Retrieved November 4, 2017. Beltrán was named NL Player of the Week on May 14 after he hit .360 (9-for-25) with six home runs, 13 RBIs, eight runs, 30 total bases for a 1.200 slugging percentage and 1.648 OPS in the previous six games. He hit safely in five of the six games and homered in four of them. It was his ninth career weekly award, and sixth in the NL.

On June 1, in his first game in New York after leaving the Mets, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. In one notable moment, a Beltrán batted ball touched the outside part of the foul line but was ruled a foul ball in a game in which former teammate, Johan Santana, was credited with throwing the first no-hitter in Mets' history. Two weeks later, on June 15, while batting against another former team in the Kansas City Royals, Beltrán stole second base in the second inning to become the first switch-hitter in MLB history to attain 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases, and the eighth player overall.

In a June 29 home game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, he recorded a single in the third inning for his 2,000th hit, becoming the 270th player in MLB history to do so. The day after he got his 2,000th hit, Beltrán collected his 400th double, becoming the 170th player to do so. Beltrán also participated in that year's Home Run Derby.Snyder, Matt
2012 Home Run Derby
July 9, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

The Mets announced on June 18, 2012, that Beltrán was selected as the starting center fielder for 50th Anniversary Mets All-Time Team.

In the 2012 National League Wild Card Game, his first postseason game since 2006, Beltrán had 1 hit in 4 at-bats, scoring a run in the 4th inning.2012 National League Wild Card (NLWC) Game 1, Cardinals at Braves, October 5
Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 4, 2017. In the NLDS against the Nationals, Beltrán went 8–18 at the plate with 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Down 5–7 in the 9th inning in game 5 of the NLDS, Beltrán hit a leadoff double off of Drew Storen, eventually scoring two outs later on a Daniel Descalso single. The Cardinals would win the game 9–7.Kilgore, Adam
Washington Nationals lose, 9-7; St. Louis Cardinals advance to NLCS
Washington Post. October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2017.

In the 2012 National League Championship Series, Beltrán batted .300 with 2 RBI and 2 stolen bases.2012 NLCS
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017. He played in 6 of the 7 games in the series, missing most of game 3 and all of game 4 after suffering a knee injury.Rosencrans, C
NLCS Game 5: Carlos Beltran returns, rain not expected to
CBS Sports. October 19, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2017. Playing in his 3rd NLCS game 7 in his career, Beltrán went 1–4 at the plate as the Cardinals lost 0–9 to the Giants.Crouse, Karen
3 Up and 3 Down: Beltran Fails in the N.L.C.S. Again
October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

2013

In 2013, Beltrán played in 145 games with a .296 batting average, 24 home runs and 84 RBI. Beltrán played in his 2,000th game on July 11, 2013. That same month, he was selected to his third straight All-Star Game. In October, Beltrán was the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, becoming the fourth Cardinals player to win it, joining Albert Pujols, Ozzie Smith, and Lou Brock.

In the 2013 National League Division Series against the Pirates, Beltrán had 4 hits in 18 at-bats, hitting 2 home runs and 6 RBI in the series.2013 NL Division Series - Cardinals vs. Pirates
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017. In game 1 of the 2013 National League Championship Series against the Dodgers, Beltrán hit a double at the bottom of the 3rd inning to tie the game 2–2. At the top of the 10th inning, with the game still tied 2–2, Beltrán threw out Mark Ellis at the plate after catching a fly ball, completing a double-play that prevented the Dodgers from taking the lead. At the bottom of the 13th inning, Beltrán hit a walk-off single off of Kenley Jansen, giving the Cardinals a 3–2 victory.Stark, Jayson
Carlos Beltran does it again
ESPN.com. October 12, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2017.2013 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 1, Dodgers at Cardinals, October 11
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017. For the whole NLCS, Beltrán had 6 hits and 6 RBI in 21 at-bats. The Cardinals won the series 4–2, and Beltrán advanced to the first World Series in his career.2013 NLCS
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.Knisley, Michael
Carlos Beltran finally Series-bound
ESPN.com. October 19, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

In Game 1 of the 2013 World Series against the Red Sox, Beltrán injured his ribs in the 2nd inning after robbing David Ortiz of a grand slam.Lee, Tony
Carlos Beltran (ribs) day to day
ESPN.com. October 24, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2017. Despite the injury, Beltrán would play in all 6 games of the series, batting .294 with 5 hits and 3 RBI as the Cardinals fell to the Red Sox four games to two.2013 World Series
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

Beltrán filed for free agency after the World Series ended on October 30. On November 9, Beltrán declined a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Cardinals, making him a free agent.

New York Yankees (2014-2016)

On December 6, 2013, Beltrán agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal to join the New York Yankees, despite receiving a $48 million offer from another team. The deal became official on December 19, 2013.

2014

On April 13, 2014, Beltrán played at first base for the first time in his professional career after Francisco Cervelli left the game due to a hamstring injury.Baumbach, Jim
Carlos Beltran gets first taste of first base
Newsday.com. April 14, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017. On the night of May 12, 2014, Beltrán experienced soreness in his right elbow. It was revealed that the elbow had a bone spur and was immediately given a cortisone shot.Castillo, Jorge
Carlos Beltran given cortisone shot for bone spur in right elbow; surgery a possibility
The Star Ledger. May 13, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 15, 2014.Hampl, Alex
New York Yankees place Carlos Beltran on 15-day DL
Sports Illustrated. May 15, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017. He was activated on June 5, 2014. To prevent any further damage to the elbow, he was used primarily as a designated hitter for the remainder of the season.Gleeman, Aaron
Carlos Beltran can’t throw, so he’s a designated hitter only
NBC Sports. June 25, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

On September 16, 2014, Beltrán left the team for an indefinite period of time due to his wife's miscarriage. Limited to 109 games in 2014, Beltrán batted .233 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI. On October 1, 2014, he underwent surgery to remove loose pieces and a bone spur in his right elbow, which required 12 weeks to recover. The procedure was performed by Yankees head team physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad.Yankees Outfielder Carlos Beltran Undergoes Elbow Surgery
CBS New York. September 30, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

2015

Beltrán got off to a slow start in 2015, batting around .200 through April. He slowly improved throughout the season and in September had a batting average over .280.Carlos Beltran 2015 Batting Gamelogs
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017. On July 3, Beltrán was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury. He was activated on July 19. On August 14 against the Blue Jays, Beltrán hit a pinch-hit go-ahead 3-run home run in the 8th inning. It proved to be the game winner and temporarily put the Yankees back in 1st place.Kuty, Brendan
WATCH: Carlos Beltran's pinch-hit home run stuns Toronto Blue Jays for Yankees
NJ.com. August 14, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2017. He reached 500 career doubles on August 31 against the Boston Red Sox. Beltrán ended the regular season with 19 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .276 average in 133 games.

In the 2015 American League Wild Card Game against the Astros, Beltrán had 1 hit in 4 at-bats as the Yankees fell to the Astros 3–0.2015 Wild Card Game
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.

2016

On April 25, 2016, Beltrán became the 84th player to make 10,000 career plate appearances. He collected his 2,473rd career hit on April 27 against the Texas Rangers to pass Ted Simmons for tenth place on the all-time list for switch-hitters. Beltrán hit his 400th career home run against the Chicago White Sox on May 15, the 54th player in MLB history to do, fourth switch hitter, the third Puerto Rican-born player, and the fifth to do so with 300 stolen bases and 500 doubles. On May 28, Beltrán homered for his 2,500th career hit off Matt Moore of the Tampa Bay Rays, joining Roberto Clemente, Ivan Rodriguez and Roberto Alomar as just the fourth Puerto Rican-born player to reach the milestone, and the 99th player overall to reach 2,500 hits. He became the fourth player, after Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds and Willie Mays, to reach 2,500 hits, 400 homers, 300 stolen bases and 1,000 walks.

On June 7, Beltrán became the 38th player all time to record 1,000 career extra base hits. He was selected to his ninth All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego. In a 5−3 loss to the Boston Red Sox on July 15, he became the 55th player, and fourth switch-hitter, to reach 1,500 RBIs for his career. In 99 games with the Yankees, Beltrán batted .304 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.

Texas Rangers (2016)

On August 1, 2016, the Yankees traded Beltrán to the Texas Rangers for prospects Dillon Tate, Erik Swanson, and Nick Green. Beltrán hit his first home run for Texas on August 3 against Baltimore, also scoring his 1,500th run on the play. Towards the end of the season, Beltrán stated that he had "no plans to retire", in contrast to his statements before the season. Beltrán ended the season with a .295 average, 29 home runs and 93 RBIs in 151 games between the Yankees and Rangers.

In the 2016 ALDS, Beltrán went 2–11 with 1 RBI in 3 games as the Rangers were swept by the Blue Jays 3–0.2016 AL Division Series
Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 5, 2017.

Second stint with the Astros (2017)

On December 3, 2016, Beltrán signed a one-year, $16 million contract to return to the Houston Astros for the 2017 season as their designated hitter. On July 17, after not having played in the field in two months, his teammates held a mock funeral for his glove.

The Astros won 101 games and clinched the AL West division title, marking the second time in franchise history they won at least 100 games. They faced the Boston Red Sox in the best-of-five ALDS. In Game 4 on October 9, Beltrán hit a ninth-inning RBI double that proved to be the deciding run in a 5–4 victory that clinched the ALDS for the Astros.

The Astros overcame one of Beltrán's former teams, the Yankees, in the ALCS in seven games. As the Astros advanced to the World Series, it was the second of Beltrán's career, where they opposed the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the series, Beltrán registered three plate appearances over three games, going 0–3.2017 World Series
Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017. The Astros defeated the Dodgers in seven games, making Beltrán a World Series champion. Beltrán announced his retirement from playing on November 13, 2017.

Three years later, it was revealed in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal that the Astros had broken MLB rules during the 2017 season. According to his Astros teammates, Beltrán was the master in a sign-stealing scheme that involved banging on trash cans in the dugout during at-bats to indicate upcoming pitches to the batter at the plate. His teammates indicated that Beltran intimidated teammates to go along with the scheme even though some of them did not want to.Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich
"Details emerge about Carlos Beltrán’s role in the 2017 Astros clubhouse and the team’s sign-stealing scheme"
theathletic.com. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2020.

When the scandal broke, Beltrán publicly denied that the Astros had stolen signs illegally. However, MLB later confirmed that the Astros had stolen signs illegally and handed out punishments to the team; Beltrán was the only player named in the commissioner's report. Beltrán then apologized for his role in the scandal.

Career statistics

In 2,586 games over 20 seasons, Beltrán posted a .279 batting average (2,725-for-9,768) with 1,582 runs, 565 doubles, 78 triples, 435 home runs, 1,587 RBI, 312 stolen bases, 1,084 bases on balls, .350 on-base percentage and .486 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .986 fielding percentage playing primarily at center and right field. In 65 postseason games, Beltrán batted .307 (66-for-215) with 45 runs, 15 doubles, 16 home runs, 42 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 37 walks. He broke the 1.000 OPS mark in four different playoff series. Beltrán also had a 100% stolen base percentage (11-for-11) during the playoffs, which are the most stolen bases without being caught.

International career

Beltrán has appeared in the four editions of the World Baseball Classic (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017) for Team Puerto Rico. In the 2017 World Baseball Classic, he batted 4th in the lineup as their designated hitter. Following the conclusion of the tournament, which was won by United States upon beating Puerto Rico in the final, Beltrán was named to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.

Post-playing career

Following the 2017 season, the New York Yankees' managerial position became available, for which Beltrán interviewed. The Yankees eventually selected Aaron Boone to be the manager. In December 2018, the Yankees hired Beltrán as a special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman.

On November 1, 2019, the Mets hired Beltrán as their manager to replace Mickey Callaway, signing him to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year. However, on January 16, 2020, before Beltrán ever managed a game, he and the Mets mutually agreed to part ways after he was the only player implicated by name for his role in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal.

On January 28, 2022, the YES Network hired Beltran as a game analyst.

Personal life

Beltrán and his wife Jessica have two daughters and one son.Wife of Yankees' Carlos Beltran loses unborn son
- Retrieved September 18, 2014 They reside in New York City. Beltrán's cousin Rey Fuentes is also a baseball player and also played for the Royals. A nephew, Matthew Lugo, was drafted by the Red Sox in 2019.

Beltrán is a Christian. While sliding into second base for his 300th steal, joining the 300–300 club on June 15, 2012, a cross necklace popped out of his jersey, and after the game, he told a reporter that "all the glory" was God's. In 2004, Beltrán was one of 24 athletes who endorsed George W. Bush's reelection campaign.

Since establishing his foundation, Beltrán began a fund with part of his salary, intending to establish a high school focused on developing young athletes. Construction of the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy began in 2009, in the municipality of Florida, Puerto Rico. Beltrán donated over $4 million to the academy, built on of land donated by the local government. The school opened in 2011 and graduated its first class in June 2013. It accepts students between the ages of 14 to 18 years, with a curriculum that includes instruction by MLB players.

In 2017, Beltrán was named winner of ''Sports Illustrateds inaugural Hope Award for his work in assisting Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Awards and accomplishments

;Milestones achieved
* 1,000 runs scored (August 12, 2008)
* 1,000 RBIs (April 24, 2009)
* 300 stolen bases (June 15, 2012)
* 2,000 hits (June 29, 2012)
* 400 doubles (June 30, 2012)
* 500 doubles (August 31, 2015)
* 400 home runs (May 15, 2016)
* 2,500 hits (May 28, 2016)
* 1,000 extra base hits (June 7, 2016)
* 1,500 RBIs (July 15, 2016)
* 1,500 runs (August 3, 2016)
;Other distinctions
* Mets single-season record holder for runs scored (127) ahead of Edgardo Alfonzo and José Reyes.
* Former holder of Mets single-season record for home runs (41) with Todd Hundley (2006-2019)
* Tied single postseason record for home runs (Houston Astros, 8)
* 1st switch-hitter and 8th player to attain 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases. (June 15, 2012)
* 3rd Highest stolen base percentage (minimum of 250 attempts): 87%

See also

* 30–30 club
* Houston Astros sign stealing scandal
* List of Gold Glove Award winners at outfield
* List of Major League Baseball career at-bat leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career extra base hits leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career plate appearance leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a center fielder leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career strikeouts by batters leaders
* List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders
* List of Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico
* List of Silver Slugger Award winners at outfield

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Beltran, Carlos
1977 births
Living people
American League All-Stars
Brooklyn Cyclones players
Gold Glove Award winners
Gulf Coast Royals players
Houston Astros players
Kansas City Royals players
Lansing Lugnuts players
Major League Baseball outfielders
Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico
Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners
National League All-Stars
New York Mets players
New York Yankees players
Omaha Golden Spikes players
People from Manatí, Puerto Rico
People from Port Washington, New York
Puerto Rican Christians
San Francisco Giants players
Silver Slugger Award winners
Spokane Indians players
St. Louis Cardinals players
Texas Rangers players
Wichita Wranglers players
Wilmington Blue Rocks players
2006 World Baseball Classic players
2009 World Baseball Classic players
2013 World Baseball Classic players
2017 World Baseball Classic players