Carlos Beltrán's number 15 is poised to take its place among the retired numbers at Citi Field, an honor that speaks volumes about his impact on the Mets. The organization is planning a ceremony later this season to celebrate the former center fielder’s contributions. Initially, Beltrán was set to be inducted into the team Hall of Fame alongside Lee Mazzilli and Bobby Valentine, but plans have shifted, and his number retirement will take center stage.
Beltrán's journey to the Baseball Hall of Fame reached a milestone earlier this year when he was inducted in his fourth year on the ballot, securing 84.2% of the vote. Notably, he will don a Mets cap on his Hall of Fame plaque, joining the exclusive company of Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza as the third player to receive this honor.
This marks a significant shift from the previous ownership's criteria, where a Mets cap in Cooperstown seemed necessary for number retirement. Under Steve Cohen's ownership, the Mets have embraced a broader celebration of their legends.
Beltrán's tenure with the Mets was marked by excellence both at the plate and in the field. After signing a seven-year, $119 million contract in 2005, he delivered 149 home runs, 551 runs, and 559 RBIs, along with a .280/.369/.500 slash line and a 127 wRC+ over 848 games.
Despite a challenging first season, he rebounded with a stellar 2006, posting a 7.2 fWAR, hitting 41 homers, and earning a fourth-place finish in NL MVP voting. His defensive prowess was recognized with three consecutive Gold Glove awards and two Silver Sluggers, alongside five All-Star selections as a Met.
Unfortunately, some fans remember him for a strikeout against Adam Wainwright in a pivotal Game 7, overshadowing his three home runs during that NLCS.
Statistically, Beltrán stands among the franchise's best: third in WAR (31.2), fourth in OPS (.869), and seventh in home runs (149), doubles (208), and RBIs (559). His offensive and defensive skills at a premium position cement his legacy as one of the Mets' all-time greats. The planned ceremony will likely echo David Wright’s, combining Hall of Fame induction with number retirement.
Beltrán's number will be the fourth retired in three years, following Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, and others, as the Mets continue to honor their storied history under Cohen's leadership.