Carlos Beltrán Reflects on His Time with the Mets After Number Retirement
Former Mets star Carlos Beltrán expressed pride in his career with the team despite acknowledging a complex relationship with the fanbase during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The New York Mets retired Carlos Beltrán's No. 15 and inducted him into the franchise Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Citi Field on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
"I would say it was my best years in baseball," Beltrán stated during a press conference, "even though, at times, it felt difficult and it felt different."
Beltrán described his relationship with the fanbase as at times challenging, noting that the public message about him as a person or player could be difficult to connect with. Despite these perceived challenges, Beltrán expressed pride in his tenure with the Mets. His time with the team, from 2005 to 2011, was a significant portion of his 20-year MLB career.
A Complex Relationship
Beltrán's relationship with Mets fans was not always smooth. Memorable moments include a critical strikeout against Adam Wainwright in the 2006 National League Championship Series, and periods where he faced boos. He also underwent knee surgery during his time with the team, which led to disagreements. His career also included a stint with the Yankees, a fact not lost on Mets supporters.
Despite this complex history, the franchise celebrated Beltrán, unveiling his No. 15 to hang in the rafters and formally inducting him into the team's Hall of Fame. Beltrán spoke of feeling "closure" in being immortalized by an organization where he was not always universally embraced.
Learning to Navigate New York
Joining the Mets as a free agent after a successful run with the Kansas City Royals, Beltrán signed a seven-year, $119 million contract. He acknowledged the learning curve that came with playing in New York, contrasting it with his experience in a smaller market.
"All of a sudden being in New York, there were things that I needed to learn," Beltrán said. "I didn’t have those tools in Kansas City — dealing with the media, dealing with the responsibilities, dealing with expectations, dealing with the ups and downs of baseball in a city like New York."
His wife, Jessica, a life coach, helped him process the fan reactions. Initially, the boos felt personal to Beltrán, but he noted that his resilience grew over the years. He also reflected on how becoming a father has provided him with a new perspective on fan expectations, comparing it to the way he pushes his own children because he believes in their potential.
"Back then, I did not understand it. Today, I do," Beltrán said, referring to the intensity of New York sports fandom.
On-Field Success and Future Role
While Beltrán never won a World Series with the Mets and is associated with the team's 2006 postseason regret, his statistical achievements with the franchise are notable. He ranks among the organization's top 10 in several key offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, runs scored, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Beltrán has maintained a connection with the organization, currently serving as an adviser to president of baseball operations David Stearns. There is speculation he could be considered for a managerial role within the team in the future.
His number retirement places him among Mets legends such as David Wright, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Willie Mays, Keith Hernandez, Jerry Koosman, Mike Piazza, and Tom Seaver. Beltrán concluded his remarks by affirming his enduring connection to the team: "I will always be proud to say I was, and I will always be, a New York Met."
