Carlos Beltran will be named New York Mets' next manager

Carlos Beltran will reportedly replace Mickey Callaway in Queens

The Mets have settled on their next manager after a near-month-long search. Former major-leaguer Carlos Beltran is expected to be named the next manager of the Mets, CBS Sports HQ's Jim Bowden confirms. Beltran will become the 22nd manager in Mets franchise history.

Earlier on Friday, it was reported that Beltran and former big leaguer Eduardo Perez were two finalists for the job.

Beltran, 42, was one of the best players of his era, and he spent seven of his 20 seasons with the Mets. Beltran has never managed before. He did, however, interview for the Yankees' managerial opening prior to the hiring of Aaron Boone. Beltran since late 2018 has worked as a special advisor to Yankees GM Brian Cashman.

Hiring managers without any prior experience has become something of a trend in recent years, going back to at least Mike Matheny's hiring as Cardinals manager prior to the 2012 season. In that sense, tabbing Beltran is nothing radical on the part of the Mets.

During the course of his playing career, Beltran tallied more than 2,700 hits; more than 400 home runs; and more than 300 stolen bases. His career WAR of 69.6 plus his outstanding postseason body of work make Beltran a likely future Hall of Famer. Relevant to his new position, he was also regarded as a beloved and stabilizing clubhouse presence throughout his career.

The Mets moved on from previous manager Mickey Callaway after two seasons in which the former Indians pitching coach guided them to a 163-161 record and no playoff appearances. In 2018, the Mets under Callaway went 77-85 and finished in fourth place in the NL East. This past season, they finished with 86 wins and a third place finish, but that wasn't enough to spare Callaway's job. Beltran will be the first manager hired by GM Brodie Van Wagenen, who took over control of the team prior to this past season.

Barring trades, the Mets in 2020 will return notable names like Jacob deGrom, Pete Alonso, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Michael Conforto, Amed Rosario, Jeff McNeil and Robinson Cano. Less certain, however, is ownership's willingness to invest further in payroll. Beltran will be tasked with dealing with the uncertainties that come from working under the Wilpon family while also improving lines of communication over and above what Callaway was able to achieve. All of that, though, is secondary to getting the Mets back to the postseason for the first time since 2016.