The New York Mets have announced they will honor Carlos Beltrán by permanently retiring his number 15 jersey and welcoming him into the franchise’s hall of fame during a pre-game ceremony on September 19, when they host the Philadelphia Phillies.
This distinction places Beltrán among just nine players in Mets history whose numbers have been permanently retired. The exclusive group includes baseball legends Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31), Jerry Koosman (36), Keith Hernandez (17), Willie Mays (24), Dwight Gooden (16), Darryl Strawberry (18) and David Wright (5).
The organization has also permanently retired jerseys belonging to former managers Gil Hodges (14) and Casey Stengel (37), while all MLB teams have honored Jackie Robinson by retiring number 42.
Current Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who presently wears number 15, will switch to number 28 to make way for the honor.
Beltrán earned induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame this year and has chosen to have a Mets cap displayed on his commemorative plaque. The official Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for July 26.
The former star’s relationship with the Mets organization has been complex. After being named manager on November 1, 2019, Beltrán was dismissed on January 16, 2020, before managing even one game. His firing came three days after MLB’s investigation into the Houston Astros’ electronic sign-stealing scandal specifically named him as the only player involved during the team’s 2017 World Series championship run.
The organization brought Beltrán back in February 2023 as a special assistant to the general manager. He currently serves as a special assistant to president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Team owners Steve and Alex Cohen issued a statement Monday celebrating Beltrán as “one of the greatest offensive players in team history, combining power and speed with elite defense.”
Reflecting on the upcoming honor, Beltrán expressed his gratitude, saying having his number retired and entering the team’s hall of fame is “the highest possible tribute, and I truly feel blessed. The Mets hold a special place in my heart. This summer will be incredibly meaningful, from my induction into the baseball Hall of Fame to this Mets hall of fame honor, with the cherry on top being my number retirement. I’m deeply grateful.”
