BASEBALL’S sign-stealing scandal has cost Major League legend Carlos Beltran his dream job.
The New York Mets axed their former player when he was about to become their first ever Latino manager – after he was linked with the cheat storm over illegally videoing opponents’ signals.
Major League Baseball (MLB) chiefs released a report on Monday showing how Beltran’s last club the Houston Astros secretly recorded signs between pitchers and catchers in 2017.
The MLB promptly suspended Houston General Manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch, with the Astros firing the pair just an hour later.
The report called the scheme to help batters know which delivery they would face “player driven” – naming outfielder Beltran and Alex Cora, who was Houston bench coach.
Now the Mets have ousted Puerto Rican Beltran, who was appointed in November but did not survive long enough to take training for the 2020 season.
In a statement released through the Mets, the 42-year-old said: “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.”
The Mets’ own verdict was much the same, revealed in a joint statement from Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon and General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
They said: “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.”
The sign-stealing saga erupted after ex-Astros pitcher Mike Fiers and three anonymous sources told The Athletic two months ago the Astros used a camera in home games.
Houston were fined the maximum allowed, £3.8million.
