Eppler began his career in baseball in 2000 with the Colorado Rockies, where he worked in various roles, including scouting and player development. His talent for identifying and nurturing promising players quickly caught the attention of the New York Yankees, who hired him in 2004. During his time with the Yankees, Eppler served as the Director of Professional Scouting and later as the Assistant General Manager. He played a crucial role in the team's success, helping to build a roster that won the World Series in 2009.
In 2015, Eppler was appointed as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the 12th person to hold this position in the team's history. His tenure with the Angels was marked by several significant moves, including the signing of Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani and the extension of Mike Trout's contract, making him the highest-paid player in the history of North American team sports at that time.
Despite these high-profile signings, the Angels struggled to make the playoffs under Eppler's leadership. The team's performance led to criticism of Eppler's ability to build a successful pitching staff and farm system. In 2020, after the Angels missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, Eppler was relieved of his duties as General Manager.
In 2021, Eppler returned to the baseball scene when he was appointed as the General Manager of the New York Mets. His appointment came at a time when the Mets were undergoing significant changes, with new owner Steve Cohen looking to transform the team into a perennial contender. Eppler's experience and proven ability to attract top talent made him an attractive choice for the Mets, who were looking to build a competitive team.
Throughout his career, Billy Eppler has demonstrated a keen eye for talent and a willingness to make bold moves. Despite facing criticism and challenges, he has remained a respected figure in the world of baseball. His career is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his unwavering belief in his ability to build winning teams.
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