Source: Mets, agent Van Wagenen getting closer to deal as GM
NEW YORK >> A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press the New York Mets and Brodie Van Wagenen are getting closer to completing a deal that would make the high-profile agent the team’s next general manager.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday night because negotiations were ongoing.
The 44-year-old Van Wagenen appears set to switch sides after representing several Mets stars including Jacob deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes and Todd Frazier, among others.
Van Wagenen has been co-head of CAA Baseball since 2010 and emerged as the club’s top choice for GM from a list of 10-12 original candidates.
Tampa Bay Rays senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom also was a finalist and remains a possibility, according to the person.
An announcement is expected shortly after the World Series — but no earlier than Tuesday.
Doug Melvin also had a second interview with ownership this week, but the former Texas and Milwaukee general manager was told he is no longer in the running.
Sandy Alderson was hired as Mets general manager in October 2010 but took a leave of absence in late June after he had a recurrence of cancer. He said the team’s poor record did not merit him returning.
The club’s baseball decisions have since been made by the trio of assistant general manager John Ricco and special assistants Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi, all reporting to the Wilpons.