Van Wagenen graduated from Stanford University in 1996 with a degree in Communication and later earned his Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law. He began his career in sports management at the renowned Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where he co-headed the baseball division. During his time at CAA, Van Wagenen represented high-profile clients such as Ryan Zimmerman, Robinson Cano, and Ryan Howard, negotiating contracts that totaled over a billion dollars.
In 2018, Van Wagenen made the unusual transition from sports agent to team executive when he was appointed as the General Manager of the New York Mets. His appointment was met with mixed reactions due to his lack of experience in team management and potential conflicts of interest due to his previous role as a player agent.
During his tenure as the Mets' GM, Van Wagenen was known for his aggressive approach to player acquisition. He made several high-profile trades and signings, including acquiring Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners and signing free agent pitcher Jacob deGrom to a contract extension. However, his tenure was also marked by controversy and criticism, with some of his decisions, such as the trade for Cano and Diaz, not panning out as expected.
Van Wagenen's time with the Mets came to an end in November 2020, when the team was sold to billionaire Steve Cohen. Following the sale, Cohen announced a change in leadership, and Van Wagenen was let go from his position as General Manager.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Van Wagenen has left a significant mark on the world of baseball. His transition from agent to executive was a rare move that challenged traditional norms in sports management. While his tenure as the Mets' GM was met with mixed reviews, his aggressive approach and willingness to take risks demonstrated a unique style of leadership.
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