Billy Eppler takes over as the new general manager of the Mets:

The New York Mets finally found a general manager, hiring Billy Eppler in a move announced Thursday night following their long and ridiculed search.

Eppler was fired as GM of the Los Angeles Angels a little more than a year ago after five unsuccessful seasons. But he landed the same position with the Mets after a recruiting process that became the butt of jokes while dragging on for more than six weeks since the 2021 season ended.

ESPN.com

In his five season leading the Angels, the team finished below .500 every season. Batters hit .248/.320/.411, while opponents went .255/.325/.436. Eppler failed to surround Mike Trout was a supporting offense. Pitchers proved a bigger problem, however, as the Angels could not keep them healthy. In that regard, Eppler might fit in perfectly with the Mets.

The article does note that Eppler did restock the Angels farm system, and that is starting to pay off on the offensive side.

There is another piece of baggage with Eppler, the death of Tyler Skaggs. Then again, Sandy Alderson turned a blind eye to steroid abuse on the Athletics, so Eppler fits in well there.

I don’t think this is a particularly great pick, but it was the best the Mets could get.