Alex Trautwig/MLB, via Getty Image
As an All-Star center fielder, Carlos Beltran was among the best players the Mets ever had, but his time in Flushing is often remembered by missed opportunities. He struck out when the Mets were on the cusp of a trip to the World Series, and in two other seasons he was part of teams that blew golden chances to make the playoffs.
But Beltran still earned a reputation for his keen intellect, remarkable baseball savvy and steady professionalism, traits no doubt the Mets took into account in choosing him to be the team’s next manager.