Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 decisions defining Billy Eppler’s tenure so far

3) NY Mets GM Billy Eppler’s tenure has been defined by the prospects

The handling of the Mets prospects may ultimately be what defines Eppler’s tenure with the team. They didn’t call the kids up soon enough last year. They really should’ve tried to give them at-bats by the start of July.

This season has been different. The Mets wasted no time in calling up Francisco Alvarez when Omar Narvaez hit the IL even when they could’ve made Michael Perez the guy temporarily. They were quick to summon Brett Baty as well. The third move of theirs was to call up Mark Vientos and demote Luis Guillorme to try to wake up the offense.

How these prospects perform and more will help create the legacy of Eppler in New York. The good news is he won’t get much of the blame if they come up short on expectations. It’s a winning move just to have them in the major leagues.

The best way to spin Eppler’s handling of the prospects is how it’s a no-lose situation for him. He gave them to us after asking for them. It’s now in their hands to deliver.

Like many GMs, Eppler may never get the chance to actually experience the victories of how many of his draft picks or amateur free agent signings perform. Instead, he’ll have to do his best with the young kids handed to him. Right now, this looks to be a positive for him. When they build an Eppler statue outside of Citi Field, he’ll be carrying Alvarez and Baty on his shoulders.