Mets Retire Carlos Beltran's No. 15, Honoring Hall of Fame Career

The Mets will retire the number of one of their all-time greats, despite his involvement in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player's batting stance, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric forms in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of one of Beltran's iconic batting moments, deconstructing his powerful swing into geometric shapes and bold colors.NYC Today

The New York Mets announced they will retire the number 15 jersey of Hall of Fame electee Carlos Beltran, honoring one of the greatest players in franchise history. Beltran was previously hired as Mets manager in 2020 but parted ways with the team before managing a single game due to his role in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Despite the controversy, the Mets are recognizing Beltran's outstanding playing career, which included nine All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and numerous offensive milestones.

Why it matters

Beltran's retirement ceremony will be a significant moment for the Mets organization, as they reconcile with one of their all-time greats despite his involvement in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. The move highlights the Mets' desire to honor Beltran's on-field accomplishments while acknowledging the complex legacy of his career.

The details

The Mets will retire Beltran's No. 15 jersey on September 19th, 2026. Beltran, who was elected to the Hall of Fame this year, will have his plaque feature a Mets cap, making him the third player to represent the franchise in Cooperstown along with Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza. Beltran was briefly hired as the Mets manager in 2020 but parted ways with the team before managing a single game due to his involvement in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, for which he was the only player named in the MLB's investigation report.

  • Beltran's last game with the Mets was in 2011.
  • The Mets will retire Beltran's No. 15 jersey on September 19th, 2026.
  • Beltran was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2026.

The players

Carlos Beltran

A nine-time MLB All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, Beltran is one of the greatest players in New York Mets history. He ranks third in franchise history in WAR, fourth in OPS, and seventh in home runs and RBIs.

Mickey Callaway

The former Mets manager who was fired in 2019, paving the way for Beltran's ill-fated hiring as the next Mets manager.

Rob Manfred

The MLB Commissioner whose 2020 report on the Astros' sign-stealing scandal named Beltran as the only player involved.

Adam Wainwright

The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher who struck out Beltran looking to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS, one of the most memorable moments of Beltran's Mets career.

Tyrone Taylor

The current Mets outfielder who currently wears Beltran's retired No. 15 jersey.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Mets will hold a retirement ceremony for Beltran's No. 15 jersey on September 19th, 2026, prior to a home game at Citi Field.

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to retire Beltran's number is a testament to his on-field accomplishments and legacy, despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. It reflects the organization's desire to honor one of their all-time greats while also acknowledging the complex nature of his career.