Jose Reyes advocating for Carlos Beltran as the new manager of the New York Mets isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a spotlight on how corporate media manipulates narratives in sports just as they do in politics. Sure, every shrewd fan in Queens knows Beltran has the experience and talent, but when was the last time you heard ESPN or MLB Network actually discuss the deeper implications of a former player taking the helm? They’d rather peddle feel-good stories than confront the potential for real change—hardly surprising given their cozy relationships with the league.

Mainstream outlets are quick to play up the sentimentality of Reyes’ endorsement while glossing over the chaos that led to the Mets needing a new manager in the first place. They’re content to churn out fluff pieces instead of confronting the uncomfortable reality that Beltran’s previous stint was marred by scandal. Instead of discussing accountability, we get the warm-and-fuzzy narrative of old players looking out for each other. It’s nice, but this isn’t Little League. The Mets need rigorous leadership, not a nostalgic reunion.

Why aren’t we asking tough questions about the Mets’ organizational failures? Why does the corporate sports media keep us trapped in this cycle of recycled narratives and surface-level analysis? It’s time for fans to demand more than just a flashy name; it’s time for real solutions.