Former Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is headed back toward more familiar territory, as he announced on Tuesday that he is joining Roc Nation sports agency — founded by Jay-Z — as the COO and Head of Strategy and Business Development.
“I’ve always very publicly stated my stance as being a player advocate. I did that as an agent and I did that as a general manager,” Van Wagenen told Kevin Davidoff of the New York Post on Wednesday. “My narrative has always been the same: Celebrate the player, give them the resources to succeed, and reward them if they do.
“…My values have always been consistent for me, and they’ve been enhanced over the last two years. I’m excited to be able to apply that to building more opportunities for players.”
Van Wagenen originally rose to prominence as a super agent for CAA’s baseball division where he represented notable Mets like Robinson Cano — who partnered with Roc Nation at the time in 2013 — Yoenis Cespedes, and Jacob deGrom.
At Roc Nation, he’ll be overseeing all sports representation, not just baseball.
“Brodie’s knowledge of the business is indisputable and unparalleled. Since we first worked with Brodie, we realized the shared commitment to athletes both on and off the field,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “He’s always been extended family and now it’s official.”
In October of 2018, the Mets surprised the baseball world in making the unconventional move of hiring Van Wagenen as their general manager, shortly after dismissing now current team president, Sandy Alderson.
Over two seasons with the Mets, Van Wagenen made his most notorious move, acquiring Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, and prospects that featured the highly-touted center fielder, Jarred Kelenic.
He was unable to build a legitimate contender and upon the takeover of Steve Cohen as new team owner, was shown the door.
Alderson rejoined the club as team president while Jared Porter was hired as general manager. Just 37 days after he was brought on, Porter was let go after it was revealed he inappropriately texted a female reporter while working with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
“I’ve been rooting for the Mets. I mean that sincerely,” Van Wagenen told Davidoff. “I have a lot of positive feelings for a lot of people there. I think that Steve will have success going forward due to his resources and competitiveness.”
