It was a shock to everyone when Billy Eppler abruptly resigned just a few days after David Stearns took over as President of Baseball Operations. All along the story had been that Eppler was willing to work under Stearns and it was a surprise to see his tune change so quickly. Well, we didn’t have to wait long for the answer, as it was announced that MLB was conducting an investigation into Eppler for improper use of the IL. MLB was targeting Eppler as part of a bigger investigation into the issue. They focused on Eppler due to an anonymous tip they received. This was announced back in the first week in October. As we near the end of 2023, two thoughts come to mind:
1. Near the end of October, Rob Manfred announced that he wanted the investigation into Eppler to be concluded by the end of the year. My expectation was that we would have our answer by early December but either Manfred is going to take this down to the wire or else the investigation has uncovered a bunch of new issues which will necessitate it carrying over until 2024. Either way, it’s surprising to me that there have been no public announcements since the beginning of the World Series on this matter.
2. Would Eppler still being in the organization have made any difference in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes? The easy answer is that Yamamoto had his heart set on the Dodgers. But it’s difficult to completely dismiss the idea that Eppler would have made a difference, given his track record of landing highly desired free agents from Japan. Eppler was involved in his team landing Kodai Senga (Mets), Shohei Ohtani (Angels) and Masahiro Tanaka (Yankees) – with the first two as a GM and Tanaka as an assistant GM.
If the Mets missed out on their best chance of landing Yamamoto because of shenanigans over roster manipulation involving option relievers, that will be the ultimate kick in the pants to sum up the 2023 season for the Mets.
I think we all hoped that Eppler had a connection with players from Japan and other surrounding countries that would help us land Yamamoto. In the end, I also agree that the logical place for him to land was with the Dodgers who year and year out have a strong competitive team and only needed a few pieces to really throw them over the top. Unlike the Mets, the Dodgers have certainly added those pieces in the off-season. I totally forgotten about the commissioners investigation. I can’t believe that it’s not done already. And if Eppler is found to have not done what he was accused of would we want him back in the organization working under sterns, and would he be crazy enough to come back? Assuming we are not done in building this game for 2024. Fingers crossed.
The Eppler departure was bizarre and remains so, based on public info. The same holds true for the Showalter dismissal/replacement with a rookie manager that Stearns had never met. Both of these moves won’t make sense, without more accurate info/disclosure, and even then, then managerial dismissal via Eppler and not Cohen/Stearns has a foul odor to it. Coming off a very disappointing season, this has not been a good few months for the Cohen Mets.
Wouldn’t it make sense if Showalter ratted out Eppler? Also, Stearns would want as little interference as possible so based on what Eppler told him, he said let’s get a clean slate. Eppler obviously didn’t like Showalter.
I have a hard time imagining Showalter as the leaker. To me, it’s much more likely to be a lower-level staffer who had his life made difficult by Eppler.
I doubt Eppler would have made any difference on signing Yamamoto. Here is what I think. Tom Seaver was my favorite athlete and player of all time. If I were a pitcher and Tom Seaver would have signed with the Cardinals, and the Cardinals were building a super team, even if another team offered 10 to 15% more, there is no doubt that I would sign with the Cardinals.
So the Ohtani effect had almost everything to do with Yamamoto signing with the Dodgers.
I really believe that with the strength of the Braves and Dodgers, and free agent desires to win, the Mets need to show the world they are in it to win it it 2025 by signing Soto first to help draw in some big time pitchers.
If the Mets stop now and don’t sign a left fielder, DH and a reasonable starter, and go 75-87 next season, players including Soto may be difficult to sign. The other wild card is that if the Yankees go on a playoff run next season, Soto may be tempted to stay.
My gut and bones tell me that Alonso will go. And maybe McNeil. The Mets need some legit young arms besides the depth pieces. And if Stearns can get Houser and Taylor for an injured minor leaguer, maybe he gets a young arm from Seattle for McNeil and a prospect. Seattle is looking for players who get the bat on the ball.
Mike, you make an excellent point regarding recruitment. Yes, money talks, but players want to win too, especially in the harsh northeast. They look at the Mets like we do, far far behind the Dodgers and Braves, and behind the Phillies too. Yeah, the Mets gave some kids and some money…the Braves have kids too, ones that have proven they can win in the bigs. Cohen may get left at the altar more than once.
My observation is Eppler and Stearns have different philosophies on running a team.
Eppler’s was bold in his moves and spent freely without any thought about the consequences of the penalties with the draft. Generally, he favors veterans and won’t promote minor league players unless he had to. He lived in the now.
Stearns is conservative and doesn’t spent money unless there is a good reason. He will give younger, more athletic players a chance, He favors a strong minor league system that he could rely on to restrained his budget.
Eppler’s investigation, although real, is just an excuse for his resignation. I think they were polar opposites.
The best thing one can say about the Billy Eppler Era is that it ended the Brodie Van Wagenen regime.
That’s definitely a big plus. Was it bigger than assembling a 101-win team?
Since the Mets were number 3 in the tango behind dodgers and Yankees, I don’t think it would have mattered a lick.
I’m sure Ohtani talked with him directly and said “if you want a chance to win a WA and play with me – perhaps the greatest player ever and which will make you a fortune in endorsements – then come to the Dodgers, otherwise, see ya loser!