The new general manager of the New York Mets is implementing change like he said he would.
Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen — Image Credit: Frank Franklin II, AP
Brodie Van Wagenen is about that action.
The new general manager of the New York Mets isn’t just talking a good game, he’s implementing change like he said he would.
This is good news for the Mets. It’s good news for their ownership, the players, and the fans.
We’re talking about a team which has finished fourth in their division two years in a row. Most importantly, they have not won a World Series title in 32 years.
That’s why when team sources are confirming the Mets are in discussions on a three-way trade which could send ace pitcher Noah Syndergaard crosstown to the Yankees, the feedback has been mostly positive.
Making a deal with the Yankees is foreign territory for the Mets. They’ve avoided going that route like New Yorkers avoid the Major Deegan during rush hour. It’s been viewed some as bad business to sit at the bargaining table with one another. But so is not dealing with a team when they’re in position to help improve your product.
So if it means trading from a position of strength, in Syndergaard, to get catcher J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins — you do it. And if you’re fortunate enough to get Miguel Andujar from the Yankees too — you don’t walk to the phone, you run, and accept.
If it means changing your mind on trading Amed Rosario for Realmuto, you do it because it could be what’s best for business.
Van Wagenen Has The Hustler’s Code In Him
The art to making a good trade is knowing the hustler’s code. It’s about making sure everyone gets what they want. Van Wagenen’s experience as an agent gives him unique perspective when working deals now as a baseball executive. He’s been on both sides of the table.
The reported three-team trade including Syndergaard
It was a bold move by the Mets to bring in Van Wagenen. He’s the total opposite of his predecessor, the experienced Sandy Alderson. But what he’s done so far, and how he’s done it, indicates it was the right move.
Trading for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz addressed needs the Mets had in their lineup and the bullpen. Cano will give the offense a much-needed threat and Diaz is the young hard-throwing closer.
Van Wagenen gave up a lot, in top prospects, to make this trade. I think he gave up too much, but he promised a fearless approach.
And that’s exactly what the Mets need. Someone in charge with enough awareness to know it’s time to shake things up around Citi Field.
Awareness Is A Major Key
Awareness might be the biggest skill set Van Wagenen has in his tool box to fix the Mets. He accepted this job knowing the financial handcuffs the Mets have kept on themselves since the Madoff investment scandal. However, he’s somehow convinced a frugal ownership group it’s time to get aggressive.
Van Wagenen was one of the top agents in baseball for 18 years before joining the Mets. He comes across as an ambitious young executive not afraid of rocking the boat. He’s tweeting his excitement to the fan base, yes, he tweets.
Now, with only six weeks on the job, there’s more rumors the Mets are not done wheeling and dealing. Van Wagenen is at the Winter Meetings making it happen and controlling the narrative.
Van Wagenen is shaking up the baseball world and changing the culture. The Mets are in the headlines and are the talk of the town. This still needs to translate to wins on the field, but it’s a hell of a start by someone clearly about action.
