Then-Mets GM Billy Eppler stands before reporters during a news conference on December 20, 2022. Photo by Seth Wenig via AP Photo
The former General Manager of the New York Mets has been suspended by MLB.
Billy Eppler, who served as the Mets‘ GM from 2021 until 2023, was suspended through the 2024 season. The reason was indicated to be the fabrication of player injuries. Eppler ordered the team to fake injuries in order to free up roster spots.
Injury Scheme
The scheme reportedly involved faking the injuries of up to twelve players. The report also indicated that Eppler did this during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, meaning it was a lengthy affair. This resulted in Eppler being placed on the ineligible list through the 2024 World Series, meaning he cannot get a job in MLB until the season is over.
According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Eppler directed “the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper injured list placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. [MLB] concluded that the pattern of conduct was at Mr. Eppler’s sole direction and without any involvement of Club ownership or superiors.”
Writing on the Wall?
The 48-year-old executive was hired by Mets owner Steve Cohen in November 2021. He served as the General Manager of the club from that date until October 5, 2023. Three days prior, Cohen hired David Stearns from the Milwaukee Brewers as president of baseball operations, causing Eppler to resign.
Interestingly, October 5 was also the day the investigation became public, so perhaps Eppler saw the writing on the wall and quit.
“The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s investigation,” the team said in a statement. “With Billy Eppler’s resignation on October 5, 2023, and with David Stearns leading the Baseball Operations team, the Mets consider the matter closed and will have no further comment.”
The Mets had a disastrous season in 2023 after having the highest payroll in MLB history, at over $350 million. With that payroll, the team was expected to make it far, but did not even reach the playoffs. They finished twelve games under .500 with an abysmal record of 75-87.
