Carlos Beltran opens up to The Players’ Tribune about return to Houston

Carlos Beltran has a fascinating journey through baseball. He was a fresh-faced kid that burst onto the national stage in 2004 with the Astros with eight home runs in the playoffs. Beltran spent the next 11 years in the bright spotlight with the Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, and Rangers.

But now he has returned to Houston. Beltran took the time to explain his move on The Players’ Tribune earlier this week.

He first had a message for Astros fans:

Astros fans, I’m here to tell you: It’s going to be a special year. Mark it down.

Craig Biggio was a big influence on Beltran during his time in Houston:

Craig Biggio is one of those guys. I owe so much to that man.

Over the years, anytime my team would be playing in Houston, Craig would seek me out at the stadium and come down to say hello. And, to this day, every time I see him, I make sure to look him in the eye and say, “Thank you.”

Beltran knows his role with the 2016 Astros as mentor:

Then, when I decided to join the Astros, I called him up and relayed a very simple, straightforward message.

Put my locker next to young guys who I can help,” I said. “Get me around the kids … the players who I can have an impact on. In spring training, during drills, whenever you can. Give me the opportunity to help all the young players get better.

The goal is still the same for Beltran:

For me personally, winning the World Series would mean everything — it would be the capper on a career that’s already been far better and more rewarding than I’d ever imagined possible. It feels funny to even write this, and I almost can’t believe it, but I’m about to begin my 20th season this year.

This may be Beltran’s last year:

To be honest with you, it’s very possible that this may be my last go-round, so you better believe I’m going to give it my all.

These few quotes don’t do it justice, go read the whole thing over at The Player’s Tribune.