Billy Eppler spoke to the media for just the third time this season, this time with his team stuck in a deep rut. The Mets sit at eight games under .500 just shy of the halfway point, and they just can’t seem to put a good stretch of games together. Shortly after owner Steve Cohen said he’d hold a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game, Eppler made sure to make a public appearance on Tuesday.
Let’s recap what Eppler discussed with the media.
He Believes in Buck Showalter
Buck Showalter has—for good reason—been the focus of ire the last couple of weeks. From his lineup construction to bullpen management, Showalter has made moves that have directly impacted the Mets’ ability to win. Also known as a guy with crisp attention to detail, his team the last couple of weeks has looked disjointed, jumbled, and disinterested at times. Naturally, the media asked about Eppler’s belief in Showalter.
“I think Buck’s handled that adversity and he’s the guy to get us back on track,” Eppler said, pointing to Edwin Díaz‘s injury, Justin Verlander‘s missed time, and Max Scherzer‘s suspension as some of that adversity.
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He Believes in the Team, Too
“I believe in the talent of this team,” Eppler said, noting he thinks the Mets can return to playing at their 2022 win percentage. Eppler emphasized that the players’ track records give them the benefit of the doubt.
Though he acknowledged that he built the roster, he says management expects way more out of the players. He continues to express confidence the team can get there.
But He Also Acknowledged the Team Is Underperforming
Eppler said the team—primarily the pitching—is well underperforming expectations. That’s apparent from the naked eye, but it’s also obvious in the team’s forecasts, he said.
Jeremy Hefner and the analytics department, he says, are working with the pitchers on the design of their pitches and “are trying to get these guys in a better spot.” Every returning pitcher from the 2022 team is performing worse, and Justin Verlander and Kodai Senga have left much to be desired.
The Team is Prepared to Trade… In Any Scenario
Eppler said he’s had “initial conversations” with teams about players he and the team are interested in, but nothing specific has gained steam.
“We’ve got a decent amount of runway here before the deadline,” he said, and that runway will determine if the team will add or go in another direction.
The team traded Eduardo Escobar for two Top 20 prospects in the Angels’ system by eating salary. If the Mets aren’t contending in a couple of weeks, expect that to be the route they take.
