Carlos Beltrán, recently elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, is acutely aware that his name will forever be linked to the 2017 Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Yet, the new Hall of Famer emphasized Thursday that this episode does not define him. Beltrán, just the fifth player in history to reach both 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases, acknowledged his role in the scandal that shook Major League Baseball, in which the Astros used illicit electronic methods to steal opponents’ signs during their run to the 2017 World Series championship.

"Honestly, I know that's part of my story," Beltrán said. "There's no doubt that as a team, we altogether put ourselves in that position. Looking back, understanding what we did and where we were and how we were able to do it as a team, there's a lot of times you get caught up thinking on that moment, and there's a lot of times when you think of: We did take it to a different level, meaning on finding ways to beat the opposing team."

Beltrán reflected on the team’s collective mentality. "As a group and as an organization, we also felt being able to find a way to take advantage of the opposing team is something that every team will do whatever it takes to win in baseball. When you hear the name Carlos Beltrán, that's something that's going to be attached to my name, and at the same time, that doesn't really define the person that I am."

In Major League Baseball’s report on the scandal, Beltrán was the only Astros player explicitly named. Despite the controversy, his on-field achievements could not be overlooked. After narrowly missing induction last year by 19 votes, Beltrán secured 358 of 425 votes, or 84.2%, from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America this year—well above the 75% threshold required for Hall of Fame election. This marks his fourth appearance on the ballot.

Beltrán will be inducted alongside Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent in the Hall’s Class of 2026. Since the scandal, he has dedicated himself to growing baseball in his native Puerto Rico, establishing a school focused on athletic and educational development for young players. His contributions off the field underscore his commitment to the next generation of the sport.

"Perfection is part of no one's life," Beltrán said. "I’m proud of what I accomplished on the field, but I know that people will talk about different aspects of my career." Born in Puerto Rico, Beltrán is the fifth player from the island to reach Cooperstown. Over a 20-year career, he played for the Royals, Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, and Rangers, earning nine All-Star selections and three Gold Glove awards. He finished with a .279 batting average, 2,725 hits, 435 home runs, 1,582 runs, and 312 stolen bases. Beltrán is one of just four players in MLB history to achieve the combination of 2,700 hits, 400 home runs, 1,500 runs, and 300 steals, joining an elite group alongside Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, and Alex Rodriguez.

Beltrán’s induction ceremony offered him a chance to reflect on baseball’s broader story. Arriving at the museum’s plaque gallery 45 minutes before the news conference, he toured the exhibits, taking in the accomplishments of his new Hall of Fame peers. He shared the moment with his family, showing them the names and records of players who had earned the sport’s highest honor.

"I will encourage baseball fans to come to Cooperstown and understand the story of baseball," Beltrán said. "The story of baseball is not about one player. It's about multiple players, different nationalities, different backgrounds, understanding where the game began and where the game is today."

Beltrán’s comments suggest a desire to place his career—and even the controversy—into perspective. While the sign-stealing scandal remains a notable chapter, it is only part of a career defined by excellence, consistency, and leadership. Teammates and opponents alike have lauded his skill, work ethic, and influence on the game.

The Astros’ scandal, which involved using video feeds to decode opposing pitchers’ signals, led to MLB sanctions and lasting debates about ethics and accountability. Beltrán’s acknowledgment of his involvement demonstrates his willingness to confront that chapter honestly. Yet, he also highlighted that the story of baseball extends far beyond any single incident, encompassing decades of tradition, achievement, and the global reach of the sport.

Beyond his statistical milestones, Beltrán’s legacy includes his contributions to the baseball community in Puerto Rico. His school provides young players with the opportunity to develop both athletically and academically, helping nurture future professional athletes while promoting educational growth. In this way, his impact reaches far beyond his time on the field.

At the news conference, Beltrán exuded a mix of humility and pride. "There's no doubt the Astros situation will always be mentioned, but I want people to know that I’ve tried to give back to the game, help young players, and inspire the next generation," he said. "That is the person I am."

With his Hall of Fame induction now official, Carlos Beltrán joins the ranks of baseball’s legends, recognized not only for his elite performance but also for the broader contributions he has made to the game. While the shadow of the 2017 scandal remains, it coexists with a career that achieved historic milestones, helped shape MLB’s modern narrative, and fostered opportunities for players worldwide.

Beltrán’s story is one of complexity: an extraordinary career intersecting with controversy, yet ultimately defined by perseverance, skill, and a commitment to the sport’s future. As fans and historians reflect on his journey, they are reminded that baseball’s history is never just about one player, one team, or one moment. It is about the interplay of talent, culture, competition, and the ongoing evolution of the game itself.

In Cooperstown, Beltrán will take his place among the game’s greatest, celebrated not just for his statistical feats but for the multifaceted legacy he leaves behind. His induction is a moment to honor excellence, confront the past, and look forward to the enduring influence one player can have on the sport he loves.