Skip to content

Van Wagenen 'incredibly disappointed' by Mets' season

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Brodie Van Wagenen's first season as the general manager of the New York Mets hasn't gone according to plan.

After entering the campaign with confidence, the Mets entered the second half in fourth place in the National League with a losing record. It's been a frustrating experience for the rookie executive.

"We are incredibly disappointed with both of those results in the standings," Van Wagenen said, according to The Associated Press' Christopher Stock. "This season has not gone the way we wanted. It certainly hasn't gone the way our players have wanted and most importantly it hasn't gone the way our fans want."

Turmoil in Queens hasn't been limited to the action on the field, either. In addition to manager Mickey Callaway and starter Jason Vargas getting into a serious confrontation with a clubhouse reporter, Van Wagenen apparently threw a chair during a meeting with the coaching staff prior to the All-Star break.

"I let those emotions get to me," Van Wagenen said. "I am not typically throwing furniture and I'm sure our fans may have thrown a few remote controls at TVs over the course of the season. I think the coaches understood my emotion and we're ready to go forward."

Despite the uneven campaign, Van Wagenen remains confident in Callaway's abilities as skipper. The GM chalks the team's struggles up to unexpected results from trusted players like closer Edwin Diaz and infielder Robinson Cano, who were acquired in the offseason.

Additionally, star pitchers Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Zack Wheeler have all popped up in trade rumors ahead of this month's trade deadline.

Van Wagenen says he's pointing the finger inward.

"This team that we built was one that was a unified vision and it hasn't worked, so I accept my responsibility in that capacity," Van Wagenen said.

The Mets are now 14 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East after losing to the Miami Marlins on Friday.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox