Brodie Van Wagenen | |
---|---|
![]() Van Wagenen in 2019 | |
Born | Encino, California, U.S. | March 9, 1974
Alma mater | Stanford University |
Spouse | Molly Knight (m. 1996) |
Children | 3 |
Brodie Van Wagenen (born March 9, 1974) is an American sports agent and former executive. He was formerly the general manager for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously worked at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and served as a co-head of the baseball division at CAA Sports. He is currently an executive for Roc Nation.
Van Wagenen grew up in Southern California, where he attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, before receiving a scholarship to Stanford University. He was the starting right fielder for the Stanford Cardinal baseball team as a freshman and sophomore in 1993 and 1994. After dislocating his shoulder while swinging at a pitch from USC's Randy Flores, Van Wagenen tallied only 24 at bats in his final two seasons at Stanford. [1] He graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication in 1996. [2]
After graduating from Stanford, Van Wagenen was hired by the Chicago Bulls to sell tickets and sponsorship deals. Van Wagenen left the Bulls to work briefly for a short-lived startup which created websites for athletes. [1]
Van Wagenen began his agent career at IMG working for Casey Close and Mark McCormack. His first client was Randy Flores. [1]
At Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Van Wagenen was a Co-Head of CAA Sports' Baseball division. [3] Van Wagenen has been noted[ clarification needed ] by Forbes , [4] and, in March 2012, Sports Business Journal named Van Wagenen to its "40 Under 40" list of "the best young talent in sports business." [5]
For Yoenis Céspedes, Van Wagenen negotiated a three-year, $75 million contract with the New York Mets that included an opt-out after the first season (2016). The $25 million average annual value of the deal matched the highest average annual value ever for an outfielder. [6] Cespedes opted out of his contract after the 2016 season and in November 2016 re-signed for $110 million over four years, setting records for annual average value ($27.5 million) records for an outfielder and any Mets player in franchise history and the second-highest AAV ever for a non-pitcher. In sum, it guaranteed Cespedes $137.6 million over five years with the Mets. [7]
In December 2013, Van Wagenen negotiated a $240 million, 10-year contract for Robinson Canó with the Seattle Mariners. [8] The deal made Cano just the fifth player to sign a contract for $200 million or more with only Alex Rodriguez ever signing a contract worth more in guaranteed salary. Cano's contract more than doubled the previous record guarantee for a second baseman, [9] was the largest contract ever for a player who had not had a 35-homer season and was just the fifth 10-year contract of the past decade. [10]
In 2016, Van Wagenen became the baseball agent for former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow as Tebow made the transition from football to baseball. Tebow signed with the Mets. [11] He also represented the Mets' Jacob deGrom. [12]
In October 2018, Van Wagenen interviewed to replace Sandy Alderson as the New York Mets' general manager. [13] On October 29, the Mets announced the hiring of Van Wagenen as their general manager. [14] On November 6, 2020, hours after Steve Cohen closed on the Mets purchase, Van Wagenen was fired. He was replaced by former Diamondbacks assistant general manager Jared Porter.
In January 2021, Van Wagenen was named COO and Head of Strategy and Business Development of Roc Nation Sports, the sports management division of the entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z. [15]
Van Wagenen's wife, Molly (née Knight; no relation to baseball journalist Molly Knight), is also a graduate and former diver at Stanford University. They have three children. Molly Van Wagenen's step-father was astronaut Neil Armstrong. [16] Van Wagenen's father, Jeff Van Wagenen, played professional golf on the European Seniors Tour (1999–2008). [17] Van Wagenen served on the board of directors for Stanford University's Buck/Cardinal Club from 1998–2004. Molly serves on the board of directors for the Stanford University Athletic Department.[ citation needed ]
He is a descendant of Louis DuBois, who came to the United States fleeing religious persecution in France. He is also a descendant of the Van Wagenen family of Ulster County, New York. [18]
A sports agent is a legal representative for professional sports figures such as athletes and coaches. They procure and negotiate employment and endorsement contracts for the athlete or coach whom they represent. In addition to contract negotiations, sports agents may also help their clients with financial planning, legal issues, and marketing. They may work closely with financial advisors, lawyers, and marketing professionals on behalf of their clients.
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican-American professional baseball second baseman for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League; he also captains the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves.
Rubén Amaro Jr. is an American former professional baseball outfielder, coach and executive. Amaro played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1991 to 1998. He was named the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies on November 3, 2008, succeeding Pat Gillick and remained in that position until September 10, 2015. He was previously the first base coach for the Boston Red Sox (2016–2017) and New York Mets (2018). He is the son of former MLB infielder and coach, Rubén Amaro Sr. Amaro is currently a color commentator on Philadelphia Phillies television broadcasts and a contributor to the 94.1 WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia.
Yoenis Céspedes Milanés, nicknamed "La Potencia", is a Cuban-born former professional baseball outfielder. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on March 28, 2012, for the Oakland Athletics, and has also played in MLB for the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. Primarily a left fielder in his early career, he split between left and center field on the Mets. A right-hand batter and fielder, he stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighs 220 pounds (100 kg).
Allard Baird is an American professional baseball executive, currently serving as an advisor for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously was the vice president and assistant general manager for scouting and player development for the New York Mets and held executive positions with the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox.
Timothy Richard Tebow is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos. Tebow played college football for the Florida Gators, where he became the first underclassman to win the Heisman Trophy and helped lead the team to two BCS National Championship titles in 2006 and 2008. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he held the Southeastern Conference's records for career passing efficiency and rushing touchdowns. He was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.
Drew Patrick Storen is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds.
Casey Richard Close is an American former baseball player and sports agent.
Joseph Curtis Urbon is an American sports agent and former professional baseball player. He is a Co-Head of Baseball at CAA Sports.
Kyle Jason Thousand is an American sports agent and the head of the baseball division at Roc Nation Sports.
Roc Nation Sports is the sports management division of Roc Nation.
Dominic David Rene Smith is an American professional baseball first baseman and left fielder for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets and Washington Nationals. He was selected by the Mets with the 11th overall pick of the 2013 MLB draft out of Junípero Serra High School in Gardena, California, and made his MLB debut in 2017. He bats and throws left-handed.
The 2013 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby was a home run hitting contest in Major League Baseball (MLB) between four batters each from the National League and American League. The derby was held on July 15, 2013, at the site of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, Citi Field in New York City.
The 2015 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 115th season, and their 16th season at Comerica Park. This season saw the release of president and general manager Dave Dombrowski, who had been with the team since 2002. In a season plagued by injuries to star players Justin Verlander, Víctor Martínez, Miguel Cabrera, José Iglesias, and Aníbal Sánchez, the Tigers finished in last place in their division with a 74–87 record, had their first losing season since 2008, and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Joshua Michael Smoker is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He previously played for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB).
The 2016 New York Mets season was the franchise's 55th season. The Mets opened the season against their 2015 World Series opponent, the Kansas City Royals. This was the first time in the history of the league that World Series opponents played a rematch on Opening Day. This was made possible by interleague play being scattered throughout the season. Despite being below .500 (60–62) as late as August 19, the Mets went 27–13 in their final 40 games to make the postseason in consecutive seasons for the second time in franchise history. They lost to the San Francisco Giants in the NLWC Game.
Ron Berkowitz is an American entrepreneur, publicist, and former sports journalist. He is the CEO and founder of the New York City-based Berk Communications.
The 2017 New York Mets season was the franchise's 56th season and the team's ninth season at Citi Field. The Mets opened the season on April 3 against the Atlanta Braves and finished the season on October 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Yoelqui Céspedes Maceo, also known as Yoelkis Céspedes, is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He played for Alazanes de Granma of the Cuban National Series before he defected from Cuba.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil, nicknamed "Squirrel" or "Flying Squirrel", is an American professional baseball utility player for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2022, he started the All-Star game at second base, won the MLB Batting Title and the Silver Slugger Award.