Morning Briefing: Billy Eppler Resigned and Pete Alonso Hired Boras

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Thursday, Billy Eppler abruptly resigned as the New York Mets’ general manager to avoid being a distraction to the club amid an MLB investigation into potential misuse of the injured list. He has not yet spoken with MLB officials about the matter. Eppler publicly stated, “I wanted David to have a clean slate and that meant me stepping down.” For more on this story, check out our article detailing Thursday’s surprising news.

Now, onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

According to a report from Jon Heyman at the New York Post, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has enlisted the services of BorasCorp to act as his representation. BorasCorp is headed by the prominent baseball agent, Scott Boras. At the age of 28, Alonso is set to become a free agent following the conclusion of the 2024 season, and there have been ongoing speculations about his future since the last trade deadline. For more on this story, check out our article on Alonso and Boras.

Baseball America has released its 2023 MLB All-Rookie Team. Mets starter Kodai Senga was chosen as one of the starters for their selection. The $75 million Japanese rookie excelled for the Mets. With a 12-7 record, 2.98 ERA, 202 strikeouts, and his lethal “Ghost Fork” pitch, he led rookie pitchers and ranked fourth in the majors with a .208 opponent average and fifth-lowest ERA among qualifying starters.

When asked about his historic 1983 season with the Class A Lynchburg Mets by MLB Pipeline, Dwight Gooden expressed surprise that it had been 40 years ago. During that season, as an 18-year-old in his first full professional campaign, he put up incredible numbers, which included a 19-4 record, a 2.50 ERA, and an astounding 300 strikeouts in 191 innings. Gooden led the Carolina League in these categories and was named Pitcher of the Year.

Ronald Hernández, one of the Mets’ prospects acquired through the David Robertson trade, has earned a spot as a Florida Complex League All-Star. At just 19 years old, Hernández showcased his skills by batting .294 with an impressive on-base percentage of .472 and a slugging percentage of .455, along with 47 walks and 37 strikeouts in 46 FCL games, split between the Mets and Marlins.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post discusses that word is going around that the Mets might be high bidders for coveted Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Every big-market team has been tracking the two-time MVP, but a couple of rival GMs say they hear the Mets are expected to go big. The Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Phillies, Giants, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Rangers and others have also heavily scouted Yamamoto.

Latest MLB News

Major League Baseball has announced its schedule for the first four days of the Division Series, as tweeted by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Chandler Rome, the Houston Astros beat writer for The Athletic reports that the Astros will start Justin Verlander in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Twins, and Framber Valdez will go in Game 2.

As reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney, Max Scherzer is scheduled to throw live batting practice this Friday as the Rangers assess his status to be included in their postseason pitching rotation. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is making a comeback to the active roster after enduring a low-grade teres major muscle strain in his right shoulder back in mid-September.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Brad Ausmus, the ex-manager of the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, has expressed his interest in vying for MLB managerial positions this offseason. Most notably, he interviewed for the Astros’ GM role last offseason and also took on the role of Team Israel’s bench coach during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

OptaSTATS tweets that shortstop Carlos Correa notched his 11th career game-winning RBI during Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series against the Toronto Blue Jays, helping the Twins secure the win. This has now tied him with Manny Ramirez for the most game-winning RBI in MLB postseason history.

According to Collen Wright and Jack Evans of the Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg officials initially indicated that the Tampa Bay Rays would cover more than half of their new stadium’s costs, with the city and Pinellas County sharing the rest. However, due to rising interest rates on the incurred debt, the public could ultimately end up paying almost double the projected $1 billion for the stadium.

Latest on MMO

Christian De Block discusses the betting odds in place for the next Mets manager.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki gives us his 2023 report card on Mets reliever Adam Ottavino.

Michael Mayer details the two Mets prospects who shone brightly in the Desert Dog’s win in the AFL.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: On October 6, 1961, the Mets signed a 30-year lease with the City of New York for a future baseball stadium in Flushing Meadows. Eight years later, Shea Stadium was packed with 54,195 fans who witnessed the Mets defeating the Braves 7-4, securing their first-ever trip to the World Series. The Mets’ offense was on fire with three home runs, including back-to-back homers by Tommie Agee and Ken Boswell. Nolan Ryan, who relieved starting pitcher Gary Gentry, earned the win with seven strikeouts in seven innings. The game ended and the exuberant fans celebrated by tearing up the stadium turf.