Angels hire Yankees' Billy Eppler as new GM

Hours after being eliminated from postseason contention, the Los Angeles Angels have decided on a new general manager to help rebuild the club.

The Angels have hired New York Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler as their next GM, the team announced Sunday night. Eppler will be introduced as the 12th general manager in franchise history during a press conference Monday.

"He checks all the boxes," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said of his assistant last year. "He's got the analytics side checked off, he's got the administrative side checked off, and he's got the scoring side checked off. He's got the leadership side checked off because he's a great communicator."

Eppler first interviewed for the position back in 2011, but the Angels tabbed Jerry Dipoto instead. Eppler also was in consideration for a GM vacancy in 2014 with the San Diego Padres.

Dipoto, meanwhile, resigned from the role in July following a tumultuous 3 1/2-year run capped by renewed conflict between the executive and manager Mike Scioscia.

Other external candidates for the Angels' GM position included Los Angeles Dodgers vice president Josh Byrnes, Seattle Mariners farm director Chris Gwynn, and Toronto Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava, among others.

The Angels' season ended on the final day of the year Sunday when the club lost 9-2 to the division-winning Texas Rangers.