New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler has stepped down from his position after a two-year tenure with the team. The surprise resignation comes amidst an investigation by Major League Baseball into alleged improper uses of the injured list. Eppler had been serving as the Mets’ GM since November 2021 and played a pivotal role in constructing the team that went on to win 101 games and secure a playoff spot in 2022.
Despite their previous success, the Mets had a disappointing season this year, finishing with a lackluster 75-87 record and ending up in fourth place in the highly competitive National League East. This underwhelming performance was especially notable considering the team boasted the highest payroll in MLB history.
The departure of Eppler now clears the way for former Brewers executive David Stearns, who was recently introduced as the Mets’ new president of baseball operations and the chief decision-maker. Eppler’s resignation allows Stearns to start with a clean slate and take full control of the team’s baseball operations.
In his resignation statement, Eppler expressed his best wishes for the entire Mets organization. However, his presence at Stearns’ introductory press conference has sparked speculation that his resignation may be connected to the ongoing league investigation. The nature of the reported probe remains undisclosed at this time.
While the Mets will inevitably have to fill the vacant GM position, it is not an immediate concern as Stearns has already assumed the leadership role in baseball operations. This move also aligns with Stearns’ vision, as he was given the opportunity to hand-pick a new manager after Buck Showalter departed at the end of the regular season.
Eppler’s previous experience as GM of the Angels, where he served for five seasons before being let go in 2020, brings valuable insight and expertise to the table. His departure may mark the end of an era for the Mets, but with Stearns now at the helm, the team looks forward to a new chapter with renewed determination and strategic decision-making.
