PORT STREET LUCIE — David Wright’s appearance at Clover Park over the past two days was just the beginning of the Mets bringing star alumni to camp this spring.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that he expects the former Mets outfielder to enter camp later this week, and that Carlos Beltran is next on the list.
Beltran was named special assistant within the front office last year and remained in that position after David Stearns became president of baseball operations.
The Mets will welcome Darryl Strawberry and Edgardo Alfonso to camp as guest instructors in the coming weeks. Mendoza said Beltran, Strawberry and Alfonso will all be in uniform.
“We want them. They bring a lot to the table in terms of what they mean to the organization,” Mendoza said. “They performed at the highest level and had success. Being able to be with the players and share some of that experience is huge.”
Beltran coached the Mets for 77 days before the 2020 season, but was forced to resign before spring training after his involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme was revealed.
Mendoza has a relationship with Beltran since they both spent time in the Yankees organization. Mendoza was Beltran’s coach while he was a special assistant with the Yankees. While Mendoza worked in the Yankees’ minor league system, Beltran also played for the team.
“He was around a lot when he was special adviser,” Mendoza said. “I learned a lot from him. Smart guy.”
Wright was scheduled to leave camp on Wednesday after fulfilling most of his promotional duties in two days.
The Mets have traditionally held a red-and-white scrimmage the day before the Grapefruit League opener, but they changed that policy this spring under new coach Mendoza.
Coach Mendoza said the team plans to practice normally on Friday and play the Cardinals the next day at Clover Park.
