The New York Mets‘ long search is over. After seeing candidate after candidate refuse to even interview for a position in the front office, their search for a general manager had become a joke. That inability to find someone to man the position may have even cost the Mets one of their star players, as Noah Syndergaard said he never heard from anyone after being handed the Qualifying Offer.
That search is finally over. The Mets officially named former Angels’ general manager Billy Eppler as their new GM, hopefully ending what has been a tumultuous time in their front office.
Welcome to the #Mets, Billy Eppler!https://t.co/TP5tIaRT1J
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 19, 2021
New York Mets finally find a general manager
Eppler will now be the third general manager during Steve Cohen’s tenure as owner. The previous two did not end well, as Jared Porter lasted approximately a month before his lewd texts to a female reporter were uncovered. Interim general manager Zack Scott was placed on administrative leave and ultimately fired after a DUI.
It is easy to ridicule the idea of hiring Eppler to bring the Mets to the postseason. After all, he was unable to make the moves to bring a team with the best player in baseball in Mike Trout to the postseason. But that may be more of a function of Arte Moreno forcing players onto the Angels’ roster and undermining Eppler in the process.
Nonetheless, he faces a tall task with the Mets. Eppler needs to rebuild the rotation, add pieces to the bullpen, find help in the infield, and possibly add an outfielder or two. On top of that, he needs to hire a manager and a coaching staff. And there is a potential lockout coming within two weeks.
It may take some time before Eppler can put his stamp upon the Mets. For the second year in a row, they are getting a late start in free agency. Several players are already off the board, and with the potential lockout, other top free agents are already in advanced talks. Eppler is going to have his work cut out for him. But at this point, if he can last a year without being an embarrassment, he will be ahead of his most recent predecessors.
The New York Mets finally have their general manager. It is now up to Billy Eppler to attempt to build a playoff caliber roster.