LAS VEGAS — As a new GM hire in San Diego, A.J. Preller, then 36, was the “rock star” of the 2014-15 offseason. He signed or traded for Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton, James Shields and Craig Kimbrel. Now the “rock star” title has been passed to another bold new GM hire, Brodie Van Wagenen, 44, of the Mets.
Having already traded for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, Van Wagenen has sent signals at these winter meetings that he will continue to be aggressive, especially when it comes to adding to his bullpen and finding another bat for his offense.