NEW YORK (AP) Mets general manager Billy Eppler said he spoke to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman well before hiring away Eric Chavez as the team's hitting coach and that both sides had an understanding that Chavez may end up in Queens.

The 44-year-old Chavez was hired by the Yankees in November as one of two assistants to new hitting coach Dillon Lawson - and projected to take on a role beyond his title. A few weeks later, the Mets hired the 17-year big leaguer to be their primary hitting coach.

Eppler said Monday that he was in contact with Cashman before the Yankees hired Chavez, and that the Bronx Bombers knew Chavez might not end up in pinstripes if he was offered a greater role on the Mets' staff.