Carlos Beltrán's tenure with the New York Mets was marked by a strained relationship with fans, particularly following a challenging first season. Comparatively, Francisco Lindor, also faced scrutiny in his initial year but has since formed a deeper connection with the Mets' fanbase. Beltrán, despite his strong career and potential Hall of Fame induction, never quite gained the affection of Mets fans as Lindor has. In pivotal moments when the Mets seemed out of contention, Lindor stepped up, contrasting Beltrán's clutch performances, which often went unnoticed due to the team's failures.

The discussion highlights how the perception of a player can shift dramatically based on their timing and the broader team context. While Beltrán's contributions were significant, they lacked the dramatic flair that Lindor has brought to the franchise in recent seasons.