Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen takes TKO in Zack Wheeler feud

New York Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen deserves a loss for the response he had to Zack Wheeler’s comments.

In any verbal spat, the best thing some people can do is say as little as possible. For New York Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen, it’s a lesson he doesn’t seem to follow.

Last week, Zack Wheeler spoke about the lack of love he got from the Mets this winter. His “that’s how they roll” quote summed up the frustration he faced with the front office. Based on this information, it doesn’t sound as if the former Mets pitcher was all that surprised. I would guess it’s something he already expected.

I don’t think the Mets should have given Wheeler the $118 million deal he got from the Philadelphia Phillies. I also think Van Wagenen had a terrible response when asked about Wheeler’s comments.

Specifically, Van Wagenen saying the Mets “helped him parlay two good half-seasons over the last five into $118 million” is what comes off the worst to me.

Wheeler grinded on the mound for the Mets every fifth day during the dark pre-2015 era. A battled back from injury and got his career back on track despite many obstacles.

During this time, Van Wagenen was representing players as an agent—a job he seems much more fit to do. It’s amazing how things turn. Just two years ago, BVW would have had a flame war with any front office member who spoke about one of his players the way he spoke about Wheeler.

Van Wagenen’s comments were unnecessary. To claim the Mets helped him do anything is asinine. Wheeler had multiple managers and pitching coaches during his time in New York. All were fired which kind of contradicts what Van Wagenen says if you look at it from this perspective.

The Mets needed Wheeler just as much as he needed them. The organization didn’t go out of their way to take a chance on him. He played his way into the rotation and did everything to keep the spot.

Van Wagenen comes across as pompous in this fight. By referencing the two good half-seasons alone, he takes a TKO in this mini-feud.

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Wheeler was never my favorite member of the Mets and the team was 100% right to let him walk away at the price tag his contract reached. This doesn’t excuse the GM’s comments which come across as petty and backhanded as possible.