The New York Mets have had a rollercoaster ride in recent years when it comes to decision-making at the top. The position responsible for major player decisions hasn't always delivered the desired results. As we navigate the David Stearns era, we're left with a mix of past accomplishments-and missteps-from previous regimes, including the brief but impactful tenure of Billy Eppler.
Eppler, the architect behind the Mets' 2022 and 2023 seasons, left a legacy of mixed results. A recent analysis from FanGraphs paints a vivid picture of his career, highlighting both his successes and failures with the Mets and the Los Angeles Angels.
Hits and Misses: A Look at ROI
On the positive side, Eppler's signings like Brandon Nimmo, Tommy Pham, Mark Canha, and Adam Ottavino have shown solid returns on investment. Nimmo, for instance, brought an $18.75 million ROI, while Pham and Canha also delivered positive outcomes. Even Rene Rivera, during his time with the Angels, provided value.
However, the negatives are hard to ignore. Jose Quintana, Kodai Senga, Starling Marte, and particularly Anthony Rendon, whose ROI stands at a staggering -$214.6 million, highlight some significant miscalculations. The deals for Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer also ended up in the red, despite strategic moves by the Mets to offload parts of their contracts for better prospects.
The Complexity of Contracts
The list isn't without its complications. Injuries played a significant role in the underperformance of players like Quintana and Senga.
The lengthy and costly contract of Starling Marte, which ended up being valued at less than half of what the Mets paid, underscores the risks of long-term deals. In contrast, the shorter contracts of Pham and Canha remind us of the potential benefits of opting for shorter, high-value agreements.
Lessons from the Past
Eppler's track record with the Angels further complicates his legacy. Apart from Rivera, many of his signings underperformed relative to their contracts. This history might have been a red flag for the Mets' owner, Steve Cohen, before bringing Eppler on board.
In summary, the era of Billy Eppler is a tale of highs and lows, marked by strategic hits and costly misses. As the Mets move forward, there's much to learn from these past decisions, particularly in balancing contract length and value.