Ex-Mets GM Billy Eppler SUSPENDED throughout 2024 season due to illicit ‘phantom IL’ use following latest MLB investigation reports

MLB to look further into other GMs following reports of illegal IL list use by Billy Eppler, former Mets GM, as per latest investigation by the league.

Ex-Mets GM Billy Eppler SUSPENDED throughout 2024 season due to illicit ‘phantom IL’ use following latest MLB investigation reports

Billy Eppler [Image Credit: Imago]

Ex-New York Mets GM Billy Eppler got suspended by the league after reports of wrongful “phantom IL” use as per latest investigation. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred noted that Eppler participated in improper use of injured list placements.

Due to his actions, Eppler is banned from the entirety of the 2024 season. As per Manfred there was a “deliberate” misuse of the IL list and evidence of it was also found. It was used for unethically securing multiple IL placements during his tenure of the 2022-23 season.

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As of now, no Mets medical staff or training personnel was named to be guilty alongside Billy Eppler. The investigation reports, as released on Friday, stated that the former Mets GM fabricated injuries and submitted false documents related to such incidents. 

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However, the league did not provide any specific example of such an incident and concluded stating that it was Eppler’s own violation. His actions were not influenced by anyone in the team or organization. Unless Manfred reinstates Eppler prior to the 2024 World Series, he’ll remain banned from holding any club office. 

As per reports, Eppler stepped down from his position at the New York Mets after David Stearns became the franchise’s President of Baseball Operations. He was part of the team from November 2021 till October 2023. He resigned after MLB’s investigation into such reports became known to him and the organization.

Former MLB players Tommy Hunter and Trevor May defend Billy Eppler amidst MLB’s IL list investigation

Amidst MLB investigation reports against Billy Eppler, former baseball players Tommy Hunter and Trevor May defended their former GM, saying they have not faced anything out of the ordinary. Hunter, who pitched for Mets during 2-years of Eppler’s tenure stated the former GM did not do anything much different from other GMs he played for.

Trevor May, Billy Eppler, Tommy Hunter [Image Credit: Rising Apple/Imago/Amazing Avenue]
Trevor May, Billy Eppler, Tommy Hunter [Image Credit: Rising Apple/Imago/Amazing Avenue]

As per the NY Post, Hunter said, “It’s crazy Billy got singled out” as he “didn’t do anything different” than any other GMs he encountered during his career. He even said that he feels “bad” for his former GM and thinks it’s “unfair” to only reveal Eppler’s name when “it’s not secret what goes on [with the phantom IL]”.

Ex-Mets reliever Trevor May also spoke on the recent investigation involving Eppler. May said the use of “phantom IL” was “epidemic” when he was playing for minor league. But since debuting in MLB and especially joining Eppler’s rein in 2022, he did not notice anything out of the ordinary.

He further pointed out the time when he was out for 3 months due to stress and said, “my stress reaction was real…it’s hard to fake that.” As for him, Eppler was always a stand-up guy with always best interest in mind. May admitted liking Eppler “a lot as a person.”

So far, Eppler has willingly co-operated with the MLB investigation and accepted his deeds and outcomes. As per reports, there have been 10 questionable stints during his tenure with the NY Mets. Before his time with the Mets, he also served at Angles’ front office for 5 years and 11 years with the New York Yankees.

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