Brodie Van Wagenen doubles down on huge Mets expectations

Brodie Van Wagenen, at the Mets spring training facility in Port St. LuciePORT ST. LUCIE — On the day Brodie Van Wagenen watched some of his players on the field for the first time as general manager, he was not hesitant to double down on his comments the Mets are the team to beat in the NL East — the same day the Phillies acquired All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto.

“We believe we can win, and I think because of that we should not be afraid to say it,’’ Van Wagenen told The Post on a sun-splashed Thursday at First Data Field and Mets pre-camp.

“We do believe it. It’s just not me saying it. Our players believe it,’’ he said. “Our coaching staff believes it, and I think that confidence has…