Carlos Beltran Steps Down as Mets Manager Amid Astros Sign-Stealing Scandal

The baseball world has been patiently waiting for the New York Mets to make a decision on new manager Carlos Beltran, who was prominently involved in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal in 2017.

Now, a decision has been made, and Beltran will be the only 2017 active player to face repercussions for his actions.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Beltran is stepping down as Mets manager.

Beltran stepping down as #Mets manager, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 16, 2020

Beltran's status has been in doubt ever since the emergence of the sign-stealing allegations several months ago. On Monday, the league handed down massive punishments to the Astros, resulting in the firings of general manager Jeff Luhnow and skipper AJ Hinch.

In MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's investigative report, Beltran was listed by name in the report, serving alongside mastermind Alex Cora in a "player-driven" scheme. Ironically, Cora was fired by the Boston Red Sox for his role in the process.

Carlos Beltran has told the Mets it is best if he steps down. Looks like the direction this will take.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) January 16, 2020

With the Astros and Red Sox acting so swiftly in making their decisions, it was a bit confusing as to why the Mets were taking so long. Reports on Wednesday said that the Mets were "wavering" on the hire of Beltran.

Now, Beltran is out, without ever managing a game for the Mets.