Ex-Mets GM Eppler banned for 2024 for violating IL rules

Major League Baseball placed former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler on the ineligible list, effective immediately, for violating injured list placements, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Friday.

MLB's department of investigations interviewed more than three dozen individuals seeking clarity about the situation. They concluded Eppler improperly used the injured list, including deliberately fabricating injuries, during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The DOI added Eppler's conduct was at his sole discretion and did not involve any of the club's ownership or superiors.

"I cooperated fully and transparently with MLB's investigation, and I accept their decision," Eppler said following the announcement of his ban, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

Eppler can come off the ineligible list following the completion of the 2024 World Series unless the commissioner reinstates him earlier.

He resigned from his GM position with the Mets in October. He'd held the position since November 2021.