Carlos Beltran steps down as Mets manager after sign-stealing scandal

Carlos Beltran attends a press conference as the new manager of the New York Mets in New York, November 4, 2019. /AP Photo

The Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal landed another victim on Thursday. Carlos Beltran, a former outfielder of the Astros, stepped down as the manager of the New York Mets, the club announced on their official website.

"We met with Carlos last night and again this morning and agreed to mutually part ways," the club statement said. "This was not an easy decision. 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. We believe that Carlos was honest and forthcoming with us. We are confident that this will not be the final chapter in his baseball career. We remain excited about the talent on this team and are committed to reaching our goals of winning now and in the future."

Players of the New York Mets celebrate after Amed Rosario #1 hit a home run during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field, New York City, September 23, 2019.

This could make the team very awkward because Beltran only took over the coaching job last November and has not even led the team to even one single game. The MLB spring training is less than one month away and the absence of the manager will not help the Mets' preparation for their new season.

"At a meeting this morning with Jeff and Brodie we mutually agreed to part ways. 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," said Beltran in a statement.

The MLB imposed penalties on the Astros for stealing other teams' game signs this week. The team have lost first-and second-round draft picks for two years; their manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow first got suspended and then lost their jobs; the Astros were also fined five million U.S. dollars.

Carlos Beltran #15 of the Houston Astros hits the ball during the second inning in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York City, October 17, 2017.

The influence of the scandal did not stop there. Soon Alex Cora who used to work for the Astros as the bench coach lost his job as manager of the Boston Celtics. Now it's Beltran's turn.

In his 19-year career as a player, Beltran was named All-Star nine times. He played for both the Mets and the Astros. In his last season, he joined the Astros and won the World Series title with the team in 2017.

Though the MLB decided not to punish any player, Beltran has a different case to others because he's the only player whose name was mentioned in the investigation report of the scandal. According to the New York Times, Beltran was a central figure in conceiving the sign-stealing scheme.