Carlos Beltrán

Template:Short description Template:Other uses Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox baseball biography Carlos Iván Beltrán (Template:IPA; born April 24, 1977) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball outfielder. 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 Template:Convert tall and weighs Template:Convert.

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 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.<ref name="101sports.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Following retirement from baseball, Beltrán was hired as the manager of his former team, the Mets, for the 2020 season. However, he stepped down without managing a game after the Astros sign stealing scandal broke in late 2019. While Beltrán was the only player to be named in the investigation report, the extent of his involvement in the scheme has been disputed. Beltrán was briefly an analyst for YES Network in 2022 and has been a member of the Mets' front office since 2023.<ref name="Phillips">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="Waldstein">Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name="NYDaily-Beltran-BrightLight-2005">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He was originally a shortstop before moving to the outfield.<ref name="SI-Beltran-Good2Go-Jun2004"/> He graduated from Fernando Callejo High School in 1995.<ref name="SD-Beltran-Fuentes-2009">Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name="SI-Beltran-Good2Go-Jun2004">Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref name="SI-Beltran-Good2Go-Jun2004"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="Minor League stats">Carlos Beltran Minor League Statistics. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="Minor League stats" /> 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.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats">Carlos Beltran Stats. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="1999 Royals Batting Order">1999 Kansas City Royals Batting Orders. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="AL ROY">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> 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.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

2000–2003

Injuries restricted Beltrán to 98 games during the 2000 season and he slumped to .247,<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /><ref name="Royals Projects... NBC Sports">Posnanski, Joe. Carlos Beltran, from Royals project to Paul Newman. NBC Sports. October 15, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> losing his center field position to the popular Johnny Damon.<ref name="2000 KC Royals Batting Order">2000 Kansas City Royals Batting Orders. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats"/>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the first 69 games of the 2004 season, Beltrán batted .278 with 15 homers, 51 RBI, and 14 stolen bases.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> Playing for a small market club and represented by agent Scott Boras, Beltrán endured trade rumors through the 2003 and 2004 seasons.<ref name="2004 Beltran Will Play Where">Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="Royals Ready to Trade">Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name="2004 Trade">A's acquire Dotel; Royals get 3 prospects. Associated Press. June 28, 2004. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="All Star Game Unis Get Mixed Up">Lukas, Paul. Trades lead to odd All-Star unis. ESPN.com. June 8, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" />

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. He hit two home runs in Game 5 of the previous playoff round in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves; it was the first time Beltran or the Astros had won a postseason series and his performance was the first time that an Astro had hit two home runs in a postseason game. In total, Beltrán clubbed at least one home run in a record-setting five consecutive postseason games,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> outnumbered only by Daniel Murphy's home runs in six consecutive postseason games in 2015.<ref name=snyder102115>Template:Cite web</ref> In 12 games in the 2004 playoffs, Beltrán batted .435 with 14 RBIs and 21 runs scored.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

New York Mets (2005–2011)

2005–06

Beltrán with the New York Mets in 2005

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.<ref name="Mets 2005 NY Daily News">Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="Largest Mets Contracts">Template:Cite news</ref> It became the tenth contract in baseball history to surpass $100 million.<ref name="With $119 million deal...">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="Beltran Cameron collision MLB.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="NY Times collision">Template:Cite news</ref>

A quadriceps injury bothered him most of the 2005 season and limited his speed.<ref name="2005 quadriceps injury">Template:Cite news</ref> 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).<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> Despite the limited participation, he was still voted to his second All-Star team.<ref name="2005 All-Star">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="WBC Rosters">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=OquendoCoach>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Beltran2006WBC>2006 World Baseball Classic – Cuba vs Puerto Rico – March 15, 2006. Getty Images. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="2006 Game Log">Carlos Beltran 2006 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He hit grand slams in consecutive games on July 16 and 18, becoming the 23rd player to do so.<ref name="Consecutive Grand Slams">Beltran and Mets Slam the Reds, 8–3. LA Times. July 19, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> Another grand slam at the end of July made him only the third Met to hit three in one season.<ref name="3 Grand Slams July 2006">Beltran, Mets tie records for grand slams in month. Associated Press. July 31, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> Beltrán continued to produce with a walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 22, off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen.<ref name="Beltran Walk Off 8-22-2006">STL@NYM: Beltran blasts a walk-off two-run homer. MLB Youtube Channel. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> It was Beltrán's second walk-off of the season, following a 16th-inning gamewinner against the Phillies.<ref name="16 Inning Walk Off">Botte, Peter. Beltran Shot is Sweet in 16. Carlos' HR sparks Mets in marathon. NY Daily News. May 24, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

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

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán came fourth in the National League MVP award voting, behind winner Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, and Lance Berkman.<ref name=2006MVP>Howard beats out Pujols to win NL MVP award. Associated Press. November 22, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> Returning to the playoffs, Beltrán hit three home runs in the NLCS, bringing his career playoff total to 11 home runs in 22 games.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> 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.<ref name=NLCS_Strikeout>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="10 Years Ago Strikeout">Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name=2007GameLogs>Carlos Beltran 2007 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> In July, he made his fourth All-Star Game appearance and upon the conclusion of the season, won his second straight Gold Glove award.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" />

Beltrán in 2007 spring training

In 2008, Beltrán batted .284 with 27 home runs and 112 RBI.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> In the final game before the All-Star game, Beltrán hit his 15th home run of the season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="Final Shea Game">Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán won his third straight Gold Glove award in the outfield for the Mets.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> He also won his second Fielding Bible Award as the top MLB center fielder in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2009–2011

Beltrán recorded his 1,000th RBI against Scott Olsen (Washington Nationals) with a triple in the third inning on April 24, 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Mets stated that the surgery was done without their consent, and the team expressed their disappointment with Beltrán's decision.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Beltrán's agent, Scott Boras, claimed that the Mets consented to the procedure.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Beltrán played his first game of the 2010 season on July 15.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Due to his declining defense, in 2011, Beltrán was moved from center field to right field.<ref name="Move to RF">Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

San Francisco Giants (2011)

Beltrán playing for the San Francisco Giants in 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="2011 Trade SBNation">Sullivan, Jeff. Carlos Beltran Trade Accepted; Giants Send Zack Wheeler To Met. SBNation.com. July 28, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="2011 Gamelogs">Carlos Beltran 2011 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="300 HR">Mccauley, Janie. Latos gives up 2 homers to Beltran in Padres' loss. September 14, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="Giants complete sweep">Center, Bill. Giants complete sweep of punchless Padres. San Diego Union Tribune. September 14, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref><ref name="2011 Gamelogs" />

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.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" />

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=FirstMarlinsParkHit>STL@MIA: Beltran records first hit at Marlins Park. MLB Youtube Channel. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beltrán batting for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012

On June 1, in his first game in New York after leaving the Mets, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> 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.<ref name="300-300 club">Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name="2000 hits">Template:Cite news</ref> The day after he got his 2,000th hit, Beltrán collected his 400th double, becoming the 170th player to do so.<ref name="400 Doubles">Template:Cite news</ref> Beltrán also participated in that year's Home Run Derby.<ref name="HR Derby">Snyder, Matt. 2012 Home Run Derby. July 9, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

The Mets announced on June 18, 2012, that Beltrán was selected as the starting center fielder for 50th Anniversary Mets All-Time Team.<ref name=wfan061812>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="2012 NLWC">2012 National League Wild Card (NLWC) Game 1, Cardinals at Braves, October 5. Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref><ref name="Game 7 NLCS 2012" /> 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.<ref name="Game 5 NLDS">Kilgore, Adam. Washington Nationals lose, 9–7; St. Louis Cardinals advance to NLCS. Washington Post. October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref>

In the 2012 National League Championship Series, Beltrán batted .300 with 2 RBI and 2 stolen bases.<ref name="2012 NLCS stats">2012 NLCS. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="NLCS Injury">Rosencrans, C. NLCS Game 5: Carlos Beltran returns, rain not expected to. CBS Sports. October 19, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="Game 7 NLCS 2012">Crouse, Karen. 3 Up and 3 Down: Beltran Fails in the N.L.C.S. Again. October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

2013

In 2013, Beltrán played in 145 games with a .296 batting average, 24 home runs and 84 RBI.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> Beltrán played in his 2,000th game on July 11, 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same month, he was selected to his third straight All-Star Game.<ref name="2013 All-Star">Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="2013 NLDS">2013 NL Division Series – Cardinals vs. Pirates. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="ESPN 2013 NLCS game 1">Stark, Jayson. Carlos Beltran does it again. ESPN.com. October 12, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref><ref name="Game 1 2013 NLCS">2013 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 1, Dodgers at Cardinals, October 11. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="2013 NLCS">2013 NLCS. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref><ref name="First WS Appearance">Knisley, Michael. Carlos Beltran finally Series-bound. ESPN.com. October 19, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref name="2013WS Game 1 injury">Lee, Tony. Carlos Beltran (ribs) day to day. ESPN.com. October 24, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="2013 WS stats">2013 World Series. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

Beltrán filed for free agency after the World Series ended on October 30.<ref name="2013 free agent">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 9, Beltrán declined a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Cardinals, making him a free agent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The deal became official on December 19, 2013.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref name="1B 2014">Baumbach, Jim. Carlos Beltran gets first taste of first base. Newsday.com. April 14, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="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.</ref> He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 15, 2014.<ref name="15 DL 2014">Hampl, Alex. New York Yankees place Carlos Beltran on 15-day DL. Sports Illustrated. May 15, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="DH role">Gleeman, Aaron. Carlos Beltran can’t throw, so he’s a designated hitter only. NBC Sports. June 25, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

On September 16, 2014, Beltrán left the team for an indefinite period of time due to his wife's miscarriage.<ref name=mis /> Limited to 109 games in 2014, Beltrán batted .233 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> 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.<ref name="2014 Surgery">Yankees Outfielder Carlos Beltran Undergoes Elbow Surgery. CBS New York. September 30, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

2015

Beltrán with the New York Yankees in 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.<ref name="2015 Gamelogs">Carlos Beltran 2015 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref> On July 3, Beltrán was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was activated on July 19.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="8-14-2015 HR">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.</ref> He reached 500 career doubles on August 31 against the Boston Red Sox.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán ended the regular season with 19 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .276 average in 133 games.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="2015 ALWC">2015 Wild Card Game. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán hit his 400th career home run against the Chicago White Sox on May 15,<ref name=siwire051516>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=hoch052816>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beltrán with the Texas Rangers in 2016

On June 7, Beltrán became the 38th player all time to record 1,000 career extra base hits.<ref name=popper060716>Template:Cite news</ref> He was selected to his ninth All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego.<ref name=bloom071216>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=robinson071516>Template:Cite web</ref> In 99 games with the Yankees, Beltrán batted .304 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.<ref name=":0" />

Texas Rangers (2016)

On August 1, 2016, the Yankees traded Beltrán to the Texas Rangers for prospects Dillon Tate, Erik Swanson, and Nick Green.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Beltrán hit his first home run for Texas on August 3 against the Baltimore Orioles, also scoring his 1,500th run on the play.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Towards the end of the season, Beltrán stated that he had "no plans to retire", in contrast to his statements before the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Beltrán ended the season with a .295 average, 29 home runs and 93 RBIs in 151 games between the Yankees and Rangers.<ref name=":0" />

In the 2016 ALDS, Beltrán batted 2-for-11 with one RBI in three games as the Toronto Blue Jays swept the Rangers.<ref name=2016ALDS>2016 AL Division Series. Baseball-Reference.com Retrieved November 5, 2017.</ref>

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. According to a 2023 Frontline documentary about the Houston Astros during the period former Astros GM Jeff Luhnow stated that they signed Beltrán due to his potential effect and influence on the team's clubhouse and its young roster and not for his analytical production. Former Astros video and advance info manager Antonio Padilla also stated that upon his arrival he was viewed as a leader of the team, was a walking encyclopedia, and remarked that he had Aura around him on the team especially with its Latin Players on the team who viewed him vary prestigiously.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> On July 17, after not having played in the field in two months, his teammates held a mock funeral for his glove.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Beltrán with the Houston Astros in 2017

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.<ref name=2017WSStats>2017 World Series. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.</ref> The Astros defeated the Dodgers in seven games, making Beltrán a World Series champion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Beltrán announced his retirement from playing on November 13, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Two years later, it was revealed via a sign stealing scandal that the Astros had broken MLB rules during the 2017 season. According to the report, an electronic sign-stealing scheme was implemented during the season, allegedly spearheaded by a coach and a "veteran player". Many have speculated that the coach and player in question were Alex Cora and Beltrán, with some Astros players' testimonies lining up with some of their speculations.<ref name="theathletic">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.</ref> When Major League Baseball confirmed that the Astros had stolen signs illegally, Beltrán was the only player named in the commissioner's report. Beltrán apologized for his role in the scandal.<ref name="theathletic"/>

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.<ref name="Baseball Reference MLB stats" /> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International career

Beltrán batting for the Puerto Rico national team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>http://www.elnuevodia.com/deportes/beisbol/nota/losveteranosdetodoslosclasicos-2291061/ (Spanish)</ref> Following the conclusion of the tournament, which was won by United States upon beating Puerto Rico in the final,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán was named to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.<ref>"World Baseball Classic: Previous champs, results, medal count, MVPs, All-WBC teams", CBS Sports.</ref>

Post-playing career

Following the 2017 season, the New York Yankees' managerial position became available, for which Beltrán interviewed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Yankees eventually selected Aaron Boone to be the manager.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In December 2018, the Yankees hired Beltrán as a special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman.<ref name="Yankees hire">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On January 28, 2022, the YES Network hired Beltran as a game analyst.<ref name="Phillips"/>

On February 6, 2023, he left the Yankees broadcast team and joined the Mets front office.<ref name="Waldstein"/>

Personal life

Beltrán and his wife Jessica have two daughters and one son.<ref name=mis>Wife of Yankees' Carlos Beltran loses unborn son – Retrieved September 18, 2014</ref> They reside in New York City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beltrán's cousin Rey Fuentes is also a baseball player who saw playing time across 3 MLB teams.<ref>Royals’ Reymond Fuentes hopes to follow in cousin Carlos Beltran’s footsteps | The Kansas City Star</ref> A nephew, Matthew Lugo, was drafted by the Red Sox in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beltrán is a Christian. While sliding into second base for his 300th career steal on June 15, 2012, joining the 300–300 club, a cross necklace popped out of his jersey, and after the game, he told a reporter "all the glory" was God's.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2004, Beltrán was one of 24 athletes who endorsed George W. Bush's reelection campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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

In 2017, Beltrán was named winner of Sports Illustrated's inaugural Hope Award for his work in assisting Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Awards and accomplishments

Honors received

Act of honor bestowed	Dates	Template:Tooltip
50th Anniversary All-Time Mets Team Starting Centerfielder	2012	<ref name=wfan061812/>

Awards received

Name of award	Template:Tooltip	Dates	Template:Tooltip
American League Rookie of the Year	1	1999
Baseball America Rookie of the Year	1	1999
Fielding Bible Award at center field	2	2006, 2008
Kansas City Royals Player of the Year	2	2001, 2003	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Major League Baseball All-Star	9	2004–07, 2009, 2011–13, 2016	<ref name=bloom071216/>
Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award	1	April 2004
Major League Baseball Player of the Week Award	10
Players Choice Awards for Outstanding Rookie	1	1999	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Rawlings Gold Glove Award at outfield	3	2006–08
Roberto Clemente Award	1	2013
Silver Slugger Award at outfield	2	2006, 2007
The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award	1	1999
World Series champion	1	2017

Milestones achieved

• 1,000 runs scored (August 12, 2008)
• 1,000 RBIs (April 24, 2009)
• 300 stolen bases (June 15, 2012)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• 2,000 hits (June 29, 2012)
• 400 doubles (June 30, 2012)
• 500 doubles (August 31, 2015)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• 400 home runs (May 15, 2016)<ref name=siwire051516/>
• 2,500 hits (May 28, 2016)<ref name=hoch052816/>
• 1,000 extra base hits (June 7, 2016)<ref name=popper060716/>
• 1,500 RBIs (July 15, 2016)<ref name=robinson071516/>
• 1,500 runs (August 3, 2016)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other distinctions

• Mets single-season record holder for runs scored (127)
• Mets single-season record for home runs (41) by a switch-hitter with Todd Hundley
• 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
• 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

External links

• Template:Twitter
• Template:Instagram
• Carlos Beltrán at SABR Bio Project