The New York Mets have announced that they will retire Carlos Beltrán’s No. 15 jersey and induct the outfielder into the team’s hall of fame. The ceremony is scheduled to seize place on Sept. 19, prior to a home game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The move honors one of the most impactful players in the franchise’s history, cementing Beltrán’s legacy in Queens. The announcement, made before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, marks a significant milestone for both the player and the organization according to reports.
Beltrán becomes the ninth player in the history of the New York Mets to have his number retired. He joins an elite group of franchise icons, including 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).
In addition to the players, the organization has retired the numbers of legendary managers Gil Hodges (14) and Casey Stengel (37). Like all Major League Baseball teams, the Mets have retired No. 42 to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
A Season of Recognition: From Cooperstown to Queens
The retirement of his jersey is part of a landmark year for Beltrán, who was elected to baseball’s National Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this year. His induction ceremony in Cooperstown is set for July 26. In a gesture of loyalty to the franchise, Beltrán has announced that he will wear a Mets cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.
Reflecting on the dual honors, Beltrán described the recognition as the highest possible tribute. “I truly feel blessed,” Beltrán said. “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.”
The decision was echoed by Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen, who released a statement on Monday praising Beltrán as “one of the greatest offensive players in team history, combining power and speed with elite defense.”
Navigating a Complex History
Whereas Beltrán’s playing career remains legendary, his relationship with the Mets organization has seen periods of turbulence. On Nov. 1, 2019, Beltrán was hired as the manager of the New York Mets. Although, his tenure ended before he ever managed a single game; he was fired on Jan. 16, 2020.
The dismissal came three days after a Major League Baseball report detailed the Houston Astros’ illicit use of electronics to steal signs during their run to the 2017 World Series championship—Beltrán’s final season with that team. Beltrán was the only Astros player mentioned by name in that report.
Despite that chapter, the Mets eventually brought Beltrán back into the fold. In February 2023, he was hired as a special assistant to the general manager. He currently continues his tenure in the front office, serving as a special assistant to president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Impact on the Current Roster
The retirement of No. 15 will necessitate a change for the current squad. Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who currently wears the number, will transition to No. 28 to make way for the ceremony on Sept. 19 via MLB.com.
Mets Retired Numbers Timeline
The following table outlines the players and managers whose contributions have been permanently immortalized by the New York Mets.
| Name | Number | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Seaver | 41 | Player |
| Mike Piazza | 31 | Player |
| Jerry Koosman | 36 | Player |
| Keith Hernandez | 17 | Player |
| Willie Mays | 24 | Player |
| Dwight Gooden | 16 | Player |
| Darryl Strawberry | 18 | Player |
| David Wright | 5 | Player |
| Carlos Beltrán | 15 | Player (Sept. 19) |
| Gil Hodges | 14 | Manager |
| Casey Stengel | 37 | Manager |
| Jackie Robinson | 42 | League-wide |
The next confirmed milestone for Beltrán is his official induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26, followed by the jersey retirement ceremony on Sept. 19.
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