Eppler resigns as Mets GM during MLB investigation

*Photo from New York Daily News*

   The turmoil continues in Queens. New York Mets GM Billy Eppler has resigned from his post, according to an announcement by the Mets on Thursday.

   Eppler was hired by the Mets in November 2021 and was leading their baseball operations for the past two years. With the Mets bringing aboard David Stearns as the president of baseball operations, Eppler turned in his resignation with two years left on his contract.

   Mets owner Steve Cohen said in a statement that "Billy Eppler led this team through a 101-win season and postseason berth last year and he will be missed. We accepted Billy’s resignation today as he decided it is in everyone’s best interest to fully hand over the leadership of baseball operations to David Stearns. On behalf of the Mets organization, we wish him all the best."

   It was reported that MLB was conducting an investigation into Eppler for allegedly improperly using the injured list. In baseball, teams will use the so-called "phantom IL" to clear roster space on occasion. MLB opened an investigation, and soon after, Eppler resigned.

   The Phantom IL is a term used when players are placed on the IL even if the player is capable of playing. Teams will ask a player to accept a placement on the IL, which keeps the service time clock going, keeps their spot on the 40 man roster, and gives the team an open roster spot. This often comes into play with a struggling player on the roster fringes.

   When teams place a player on the IL, they are expected to provide documentation and input from a doctor to support the placement of the player on the IL to MLB. MLB has previously investigated potential phantom IL placements.

   Eppler had previously served as the assistant GM of the New York Yankees and GM of the Los Angeles Angels before landing with the Mets. Prior to his hire, the Mets fired GM Jared Porter for sending explicit images to a female reporter, and they also fired his replacement in Zack Scott for alleged DWI, though Scott was later acquitted.

   Most notably, Eppler brought aboard Starling Marte, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Mark Canha, and Eduardo Escobar through free agency. He also extended Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Diaz prior to 2023. The Mets had a 176-148 record in Eppler's two seasons leading baseball operations.

   In 2023, the Mets placed a total of 25 players on the IL a total of 28 times, ranking 16th among MLB teams. The San Francisco Giants led baseball with 46 IL placements, while the Cleveland Guardians were second with 45 and the Angels 3rd with 42.

   At the end of the regular season, Mets manager Buck Showalter, who was hired by Eppler ahead of the 2022 season, announced he wouldn't be back as manager. Now, Eppler is out the door, albeit during an investigation.