PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright’s appearance at Clover Park over the past two days was just the start of the Mets bringing star alumni into camp this spring.
Carlos Beltran is next on the list, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, who on Wednesday said he expects the former Mets outfielder to be in camp later in the week.
Beltran last year was named as a special assistant within the front office and retained that position following David Stearns’ hiring as president of baseball operations.
The Mets will also have Darryl Strawberry and Edgardo Alfonzo in camp as guest instructors in the coming weeks. Mendoza said Beltran, Strawberry and Alfonzo will all be in uniform.
“We want these guys around, they bring a lot to the table, what they meant to the organization,” Mendoza said. “They performed at the highest level and had success. To be around and share some of those experiences with the players is huge.”
Beltran spent 77 days as Mets manager before the 2020 season but was forced to resign before spring training after his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme was revealed.
Mendoza has a relationship with Beltran from their shared time in the Yankees organization. Mendoza was a coach during Beltran’s stint as a special assistant with the Yankees. Beltran also played for the team while Mendoza worked in the Yankees’ minor league system.
“When he was a special adviser, he was around a lot,” Mendoza said. “I learned a lot from him. Smart guy.”
Wright was scheduled to leave camp Wednesday after two days of largely fulfilling promotional obligations.
The Mets have traditionally played an intrasquad scrimmage the day before their Grapefruit League opener, but under a new manager in Mendoza, they are changing course this spring.
Mendoza said they will hold a normal workout on Friday before facing the Cardinals a day later at Clover Park.