New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler says he spoke with Yankees GM Brian Cashman well before hiring away Eric Chavez as the team's hitting coach.

Chavez, 44, was hired by the Yankees in November as one of two assistants to new hitting coach Dillon Lawson. Just a few weeks later, the Mets hired the former Major League infielder to be their primary hitting coach.

"I had an understanding that if the lead role opened here, and he won the day, that he would get [the Yankees'] blessing," Eppler said. "And so, that's ultimately what happened."