New York Yankees: Pros and cons of hiring Carlos Beltran as manager

Carlos Beltran is the most recent managerial candidate to interview with the New York Yankees. What does he bring to the table?

Carlos Beltran interviewed with the New York Yankees on Wednesday for their open manager position just over two weeks after retiring from baseball.

Beltran had a very successful 20-year career as a player, including winning the World Series this year as a member of the Houston Astros. He amassed 2,725 hits, 435 home runs, 1,587 RBI, and 312 stolen bases.

The switch-hitter really made a name for himself in the postseason. Over 65 career playoff games, Beltran hit .307/.412/.609 with 16 homers, 42 RBI, and 11 stolen bases without ever getting caught.

Beltran spent the better part of three seasons with the New York Yankees from 2014-2016 before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the deadline. While in the Bronx, Beltran hit .270 with 56 home runs and 180 RBI.

More importantly, Beltran served as a mentor to the young Yankee hitters, including Starlin Castro. Beltran did the same this past season with the young Astro hitters. Many of those young sluggers credited Beltran for helping them take the next step in their development after they won the World Series.

Carlos Beltran is thought of as one of the more intelligent baseball minds around which is why he’s even being considered for the Yankees manager job. But what else does he bring to the table?

Pro: He knows most of the players personally.

During Carlos Beltran’s time with the New York Yankees, he played with the likes of Starlin Castro, Didi Gregorius, Chase Headley, Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, and Dellin Betances.

It wouldn’t take Beltran too much time to get acclimated to the clubhouse as he isn’t too far removed from it. He was already able to help Castro with his swing and knows how many Yankee players operate.

Con: He knows most of the players personally.

Going from co-worker to boss is a tough transition. Getting your friends to listen to your orders can be difficult.

Although Beltran’s personal relationships with many of the Yankee players could be beneficial, it could backfire and make it hard for him to take command of the clubhouse. For instance, if CC Sabathia were to re-sign with New York, he’s only three years younger than Beltran. The dynamic between Sabathia and Beltran could be awkward considering how close they are in age.

Pro: He has led young teams in the past.

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As we mentioned, Beltran provided veteran leadership and served as a mentor for both the New York Yankees from 2014-2016 and the Houston Astros in 2017.

The Houston Astros were up and coming when they made the playoffs in 2015 but missed the playoffs in 2016. Beltran’s veteran presence (along with Brian McCann and Josh Reddick) in 2017 allowed them to make the jump to World Series champions.

The New York Yankees are now up and coming. Perhaps Beltran can bring his leadership to the dugout and help expedite the Yankees’ World Series hopes.

Con: He has zero managerial or coaching experience.

Being an MLB manager is not easy. There are only 30 in the world and many coaches have been training for years for a chance to be the next one.

There isn’t a precedent for going straight from playing to managing. Handing Carlos Beltran one of the most high-pressure jobs in the sport just weeks after he hung up his cleats would be very risky for the New York Yankees.

Is Carlos Beltran the man for the job?

It seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I like the idea of Carlos Beltran being the next manager of the New York Yankees. I understand that he has no experience but he’s got to start somewhere. Plus, Eric Wedge is the only candidate who has been interviewed so far who has any managerial experience.

I liked the idea of Beltran managing the Yankees even before he announced his retirement. Beltran actually being hired to manage the Yankees right after retiring seemed unlikely but now he’s been interviewed so there’s certainly a chance.

Next: New York Yankees Guide Back to the World Series

Will I be devastated if the Yankees hire someone else? Not at all. However, if Beltran gets the job, I will support the decision and be excited about the future of the New York Yankees.

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