Sources: Billy Eppler expected to be named Mets general manager

The Mets are expected to name former Angels general manager and Yankees executive Billy Eppler their next GM, league sources told SNY.

According to those sources, talks between the parties have accelerated to the point where a hire is likely. There are still details to be worked out, so the usual caveats apply that nothing is done until it’s done.

Neither Mets officials nor Eppler, 46, was available to comment.

This caps a long search for the Mets with the selection of a seasoned and respected executive. While Eppler’s Angels did not post a winning record in his five seasons with the team, the Mets’ digging on him revealed continued respect in the industry, and a sense that owner Arte Moreno inhibited Eppler’s chances to succeed.

Last week, former Washington Nationals assistant GM Adam Cromie emerged as a frontrunner, but Cromie lacked Eppler’s experience as a top executive. The Mets accelerated their pursuit of Eppler over the last several days.

Eppler recently became co-head of the WME agency’s baseball division.