Double agent
Brodie’s split loyalties cause for concern as Mets narrow search
Brodie Van Wagenen is a powerful agent and among the candidates for the Mets’ head of baseball operations vacancy. It has left some within the industry wondering where Van Wagenen’s loyalties lie.
On a day the 44-year-old Van Wagenen, the co-head of CAA’s baseball division, met with owner Fred Wilpon and COO Jeff Wilpon to interview for the seat vacated by Sandy Alderson last summer, questions floated Monday whether an agent — especially one with several clients on the Mets — should be looking to switch sides. Though Van Wagenen would be relinquishing his role as an agent if hired by the team, he would face potential conflict-of-interest scenarios.
Mega-agent Scott Boras told The Post he has received offers over the years to lead teams but declined because of such conflict-of-interest concerns. Van Wagenen’s Mets clients include Jacob deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes, Noah Syndergaard, Todd Frazier, Brandon Nimmo and Robert Gsellman, among others.
“The Boras Corporation stands for a total commitment to players, and while I have been offered many opportunities with teams, I would never violate the trust that I have with any player and that is very important to what I do,” Boras said. “I am an attorney and I want [players] to tell me everything and a lot of these things are confidential, they are personal, and if I went to work for a different employer, I would have to divulge all that information because I have to do my job for that other employer I made a commitment to.”
An agent who didn’t want to be identified expressed concern that Van Wagenen has been allowed to participate in MLB Players Association meetings and would now be bringing that information to the other side.
Van Wagenen issued a statement through the Mets.
“In my role as an agent, my solution is to create opportunities for players to be successful both on and off the field. By creating partnerships between players and teams, the interests of all parties can be aligned,” Van Wagenen said. “If the players are able to reach their peak potential, the fans will be rewarded with a competitive team that can contend for championships year in and year out. The Clubs benefit with compelling, sustainable and profitable entertainment franchises; and the players are re- warded with a platform to realize their childhood dreams while receiving compensation consistent with their tremendous talents.
“My conversations with the Mets continue to be organic. I believe baseball is better when the Mets are competitive and successful. That success is better for the fans, players, and the economy of the sport. As Jeff and Fred [Wilpon] continue their search for a new head of baseball operations, the players, fans and entire organization will be motivated to have a leader with the skills and commitment to win. If the Wilpons believe I am that person, we will have that conversation.”
The Mets’ search is down to three known candidates — Doug Melvin, Chaim Bloom and Van Wagenen — as the team on Monday eliminated MLB executive Kim Ng and Tigers vice president of player development Dave Littlefield from consideration, according to sources.