Mets name Carlos Beltran manager

The New York Mets have hired former player Carlos Beltran as their next manager.

His deal is for three years with a club option.

"Congratulations to Carlos. We are thrilled, as we know our passionate fans will be, to have him back in the family," said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said in a statement. "Thanks to Brodie (Van Wagenen) and the entire baseball operations staff on this expansive, diverse, and collaborative managerial search process."

The team plans to introduce their new skipper, who becomes the first Latino manager in Mets history, at Citi Field on Monday at 11 a.m., according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Beltran, who has never managed in the big leagues, was among a group of finalists that included former Miami Marlins hitting coach and current ESPN broadcaster Eduardo Perez, Washington Nationals first-base coach Tim Bogar, and Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy.

Perez offered his congratulations to Beltran after learning he didn't get the job.

At the beginning of the Mets' hiring process, Beltran did not appear to be a strong candidate for the position, but his second interview with the team changed the momentum, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Beltran was working as a special adviser with the New York Yankees before the hiring.

The 42-year-old played seven seasons with the Mets during his 20-year career that ended following the 2017 campaign when he won a World Series title with the Houston Astros. He was named to the National League All-Star team on five occasions during his tenure with the Mets, before he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in July 2011 for Zack Wheeler.

Upon learning of the hiring, Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman excitedly tweeted his approval on social media.

Beltran will replace Mickey Callaway, who was fired by the Mets on Oct. 3 after two underwhelming seasons at the helm.