The New York Mets' biggest question of the offseason — who would actually run the team? — was answered with the hiring of general manager Billy Eppler. Now, the franchise can recalibrate its focus back to building a winning team.
Steve Cohen, who is a year into his ownership of the franchise, introduced Eppler as GM at an online press conference this afternoon. He said that he is willing to let Eppler spend big in free agency so that the club can compete for the National League East crown.
Steve Cohen said the Mets payroll is roughly $185 million right now, and he’s giving Billy Eppler the green light to spend money, significant money, on free agents – particularly because the Mets farm system is not deep.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) November 19, 2021
Mets owner Steve Cohen: "I'm willing, for the right deals and right free agents, to go get the players we need. We want to be competitive. We want to win our division and be in the playoffs and get deep into the playoffs. I've let Billy and Sandy know: It's whatever they need."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2021
The Mets already have some respectable star power with starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Pete Alonso. But New York still needs plenty of depth, namely in the starting pitching rotation and outfield, in order to be a competitive team again. The World Series champion Atlanta Braves won the division despite winning just 88 games and have several key players entering free agency, so the NL East could easily be up for grabs.
New York already lost starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and has not yet brought back several key free agents. Pitcher Marcus Stroman, outfielder Michael Conforto, shortstop/second baseman Javier Baez and third baseman Jonathan Villar have not been resigned, nor have any replacements for them. The Mets also need a new manager, as they chose not to bring back Luis Rojas after two seasons.
Eppler will look to get the Mets back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. There are plenty of big names for him to chase, but whether or not they actually want to play for the Mets is another discussion.
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