The Mets are finalizing paperwork to make CAA Sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen the organization’s newest general manager, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. As Craig noted on Friday, Van Wagenen was the presumed frontrunner for the position, despite his various conflicts of interest with the club. Sherman adds that an official press conference will be held to announce Van Wagenen’s hiring on Tuesday or Thursday, pending the conclusion of the World Series this week. The team has yet to confirm the appointment.
An additional report from MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo revealed that the 44-year-old had been in talks with the Mets about the GM position -- first as an advisor, then as a candidate -- ever since Sandy Alderson stepped away from his role this summer. They ultimately elected not to go with either of the two finalists they were considering alongside Van Wagenen: Rays senior VP of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, and Brewers senior advisor and two-time GM Doug Melvin.
It’s unclear exactly what Van Wagenen has in store for the Mets moving forward, and there are more than a few who doubt his ability to approach the role with the impartiality and expertise necessary to succeed. Per DiComo, CAA may promote fellow agents Jeff Berry and Nez Balelo in light of Van Wagenen’s departure. They’re also expected to try to retain his former clients, including current Mets players Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes, and Tim Tebow, among others.