Jacob deGrom, among other notable Mets players currently on the roster, is a Van Wagenen clientGETTY IMAGES
The Mets’ search for a new GM is "down to three known candidates" in former Brewers and Rangers GM Doug Melvin, Rays Senior VP/Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom and CAA's Brodie Van Wagenen, which has "left some within the industry wondering where Van Wagenen’s loyalties lie," according to Mike Puma of the N.Y. POST. Though Van Wagenen "would be relinquishing his role as an agent if hired by the team, he would face potential conflict-of-interest scenarios." Van Wagenen currently has several clients on the Mets, including Ps Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Robert Gsellman, 3B Todd Frazier, and OFs Brandon Nimmo and Yoenis Cespedes. An anonymous agent "expressed concern that Van Wagenen has been allowed to participate" in MLBPA meetings and if hired by the Mets "would now be bringing that information to the other side." But Melvin, 66, is "considered the favorite for the job, based on his experience leading front offices for the Brewers and Rangers." Bloom, 35, has the "deepest analytics background of the candidates" (N.Y. POST, 10/23). In N.Y., Kristie Ackert notes Van Wagenen in July was "calling out the 'inertia' of the Mets current situation on deGrom’s behalf, asking the team to commit to the ace long term or trade him." Since GM Sandy Alderson stepped down in-season, the Mets have "had a three-man committee" of Senior VP/Baseball Operations & Assistant GM John Ricco and Special Assistants to the GM J.P. Ricciardi and Omar Minaya "running the front office." In February, Van Wagenen was "among the agents that accused teams of colluding to suppress the free agent market" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/23).
FASCINATING TRIO: Former Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart said the Mets' finalists are "three completely opposite candidates" but also said they are all "very talented." Van Wagenen's inclusion as an agent is "very unusual," but he is a "bright guy and quality guy." Bloom coming from the analytics side is the "young ... modern GM." Melvin is the "wise, veteran baseball guy." The Mets' decision is "just which way do they want to go" ("MLB Tonight," MLBN, 10/22).
