Whether Billy Eppler realized it at the time, the Angels general manager took a step toward getting a second baseman when he made a deal for a left fielder Aug. 31.

In the four months since Eppler got Justin Upton from the Detroit Tigers, Upton had been recruiting his former teammate, second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Kinsler, who waived his limited no-trade clause to accept a deal to the Angels last week, said Monday he’d wanted to play for the Angels since talking to Upton about the team.

“Justin loved his time there so far, and I put a lot of trust in his opinion,” Kinsler said on a conference call with Southern California media. “It obviously made me real interested in the Angels.”

Kinsler said his interest was piqued even more when the Angels won the sweepstakes to get Shohei Ohtani.

“Making moves this winter to push for the next level, that’s something a player like myself is excited for,” Kinsler said.”That motivates a player like me.”

Kinsler, 35, also suggested that joining a contending team could also help him bounce back from what was a slightly disappointing offensive season. A four-time All-Star, Kinsler had a .725 OPS in 2017, the lowest of his career. It was just one year removed from one his best seasons — an .831 OPS with 28 homers in 2016.

Last season, playing for a Tigers team that lost 98 games didn’t help Kinsler, it seems.

“Last year was a tough year for the whole organization, myself included, in Detroit,” he said, “but when you get on a club where there’s excitement and you have a bunch of really good baseball players — besides the numbers, just guys that understand how to play baseball — it ups your intensity and focus. I’m excited and I look to perform the same way I have my whole career, minus last year.”

Kinsler said he’s also looking forward to returning to the American League West. He played his first eight seasons in Texas, including three All-Star seasons. He was a key member of the Rangers’ pennant-winning teams in 2010 and 2011.

After the Rangers traded him to the Tigers, Kinsler said, “I hope they go 0-162.” Playing against the Rangers 19 times a year won’t provide him any extra motivation now, though.

“Those feelings have gone,” he said. “Time heals. I was young and emotional. I think I’ve learned from that. I obviously didn’t like the way I left and I’m sure a lot of Rangers fans and players didn’t like the way I left, but that’s gone. Playing four years in Detroit have been great.

“I’m ready to be an Angel. I can’t wait to play in the Ballpark in Texas and L.A. and Oakland and Seattle. These are places I played for eight years being on the Rangers. I know a lot about the West. I’m excited to be back in that division.”