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After reviewing the investigation, commissioner
Rob Manfred issued the ban for Eppler, who MLB said oversaw the
improper use of the injured list, including the "deliberate
fabrication of injuries" as well as submitting documents to
justify those placements on the IL during the 2022 and 2023
seasons.
Eppler, 48, resigned his position last October following the
announcement of the MLB investigation. At that point, the Mets
already had hired David Stearns as president of baseball
operations, meaning Eppler no longer would have been the front
office's lead decision-maker.
MLB said the Mets and Eppler "fully cooperated" with the
investigation, which included interviews with more than 35
people along with a look into documents and electronic records.
The investigation determined Eppler took action on his own and
not under the direction of team owners or his bosses.
"The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League
Baseball's investigation," the club said in a statement Friday.
"With Billy Eppler's resignation on October 5, 2023, and with
David Stearns leading the Baseball Operations team, the Mets
consider the matter closed and will have no further comment."
Eppler will be removed from the ineligible list after the
completion of the World Series. Should Eppler apply for an early
dismissal, only Manfred could grant that request.
The Mets were 253-233 in Eppler's three seasons in the GM role
and made one playoff appearance, losing in the wild-card round
to the San Diego Padres in 2022.
--Field Level Media
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