New Mets general manager Billy Eppler’s introductory press conference was Friday afternoon, and during it, he revealed he has been in contact with players’ agents since Thursday night, when he was officially named GM.
Eppler said he started receiving texts from players’ agents, but he didn’t reveal which agents he has been in contact with. Pre-Eppler, the Mets have reportedly been in contact with Javier Báez‘s and Kris Bryant‘s agents this offseason so far, and they also have been reported to have interest in Starling Marte.
The team put themselves behind the eight ball a bit with not hiring someone to lead their front office until mid-November, but it seems Eppler is ready to hit the ground running with regards to free agents.
During the meeting, owner Steve Cohen said Eppler and Alderson have “whatever they need” in terms of resources during free agency. Cohen acknowledged that payroll was under $200 million right now, and that they’re going to need to spend on free agents in order to compete in the NL East next season. He told Eppler to “go get the players we need.”
Eppler said the Mets will take “big swings” in free agency, lending one to believe the team will be shopping at the top of the free agent market. Qualifying offers attached to other players shouldn’t be a hindrance.
Billy Eppler says the Mets will be able to take "big swings" in free agency given what Steve Cohen has told him.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) November 19, 2021
Alderson said he expects Eppler to be “driving the operation,” which means making player personnel decisions as well as leading the managerial search, which will get underway as soon as Friday afternoon.
As for the trade market, the Mets will likely be active and interested, but Eppler noted there are some top 100 prospects that team doesn’t want to move.
There are less than two weeks until a potential lockout, though, so next up is to see what Eppler & Co. can get done in terms of players before then.
