Carlos Beltran Steps Down as New York Mets Manager

The New York Mets and new manager Carlos Beltran have mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday amidst Beltran's involvement in MLB's sign-stealing scandal.

The 42-year old Beltran was signed to a three-year contract with the option for a fourth-year back in November. He was the only player named in the investigation that was centered around the 2017 Houston Astros and 2018 Boston Red Sox, both teams won the World Series in those years.

According to SNY, COO Jeff Wilpon and GM Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement, "We met with Carlos last night and again this morning and agreed to mutually part ways,". They would go onto say, "This was 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 goals of winning now and in the future."

Beltran chimed in on the situation as well saying, "I'm grateful to them for giving me the 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."

Here's exactly what Rob Manfred's report had to say pertaining to Beltran's involvement in the sign-stealing scandal:

"Approximately two months into the 2017 season, a group of players, including Carlos Beltran, discussed that the team could improve on decoding opposing teams' signs and communicating the signs to the batter, the report stated. Cora arranged for a video room technician to install a monitor displaying the center field camera feed immediately outside of the Astros' dugout. (The center field camera was primarily used for player development purposes and was allowed under MLB rules at the time when used for that purpose.) Witnesses have provided largely consistent accounts of how the monitor was utilized. One or more players watched the live feed of the center field camera on the monitor, and after decoding the sign, a player would bang a nearby trash can with a bat to communicate the upcoming pitch type to the batter."

So, the New York Mets will be in search of a new manager just as the Astros and Red Sox are. These three teams better get a move on as pitchers and catchers report in less than a month.