Bowden, speaking on CBS, stressed that he’s been told the Angels are listening to offers despite what they may say otherwise, and the Mets are thought to be a potential big-time player. Secondly Bowden was a Major League GM for 16 years so he has skin in the game and, therefore, his report that he’s talked to several GMs who believe Ohtani could be dealt before the trade deadline should carry some weight. Firstly Eppler was of course the General Manager of the Angels from 2015 to 2020 and he was the guy who brought Ohtani to America in 2017. Now, before we delve in further, there are a couple of things to note here. According to Bowden, Eppler has been in touch with his former team to try to put feelers out in regards to the potential availability of one of the most talented and exciting players in the entire sport. Per Jim Bowden of CBS, New York Mets General Manager Billy Eppler has been in contact with the Angels about superstar Shohei Ohtani. While all eyes will be on the start of perhaps the biggest Subway Series in recent history tonight, there’s been some bombshell news to emerge out of Mets land.