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Billy Eppler was in a jam. He was gearing up for a run at Anthony Rendon, fresh off his monstrous, World Series season with the Nationals, and wondering where to find money for the third baseman’s bat on the Angels’ books.
The then-Angels general manager wanted to go for it and push chips in for the 2020 season. His neighbors to the north, the Giants, were beginning to build a foundation that had more time to grow and had an ownership group that was willing to open its wallet.
And so two teams at different stages found a way to work together to make both of their visions possible. On Dec. 10, 2019, the Angels sent Zack Cozart’s contract, which commanded about $13 million for the upcoming season, to the Giants, who were willing to eat the money because Eppler included 2019 first-round pick Will Wilson, a shortstop San Francisco had considered selecting a few months prior.
