It sounds like a communication breakdown doomed the NY Mets-Edwin Diaz connection

Jeff Passan hasn’t eaten in days, can’t remember the names of his family members, and doesn’t see his reflection in the mirror. That last part has little to do with the MLB Winter Meetings. Seriously, the guy doesn’t look like he has aged. Known for big bombs with transactions, his tidbit on Tuesday night while appearing on ESPN put a lot of the blame squarely on the New York Mets as to why Edwin Diaz is now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to Passan, Diaz wasn’t notified ahead of the signing of Devin Williams. The facade presented publicly was how happy Williams was to become a member of the Mets, the club’s interest in retaining Diaz to be a closer alongside their newest toy, and how co-existence was possible. Apparently, Diaz felt some level of disrespect. It can help explain why he took the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offer without going back to the Mets to see if they could top it.

Bad communication with players is becoming an alarming theme with this Mets regime

Remember Adam Ottavino’s rant a few weeks ago? Somewhat lost in the dismissal of the Brandon Nimmo rumors and criticism of Carlos Mendoza, the ex-Mets reliever threw out how David Stearns is “not the best at communicating.”  In additon to this, learning Diaz wasn't pleased with Jeremy Hefner getting let go, creates a storm of uncertainty. He 100% wasn't given advanced notice about Hefner.

This, right here, is the least surprising revelation to grow another pair of legs. Mendoza’s bullpen usage was already questionable as is the case with any skipper. How the front office communicates with the players is something we don’t often get to see or hear about. Stearns has had a reputation as being a little more closed off than hands-on. It sounds as if maybe he was a little too distant in this case.

Diaz felt the Mets owed him a heads up. The Mets, whether they didn’t think they had to or were playing the free agent game completely buttoned up, never reached out apparently. It’s like leaving any event. Do you go around shaking everyone’s hand or slip out the backdoor while no one is looking? Everyone prefers a different exit. The Mets and Diaz don’t see eye-to-eye on this one and it cost them.

The Mets failed to retain their star closer possibly due to poor negotiating and not being outbid. It’s a shame because there was never any reason as to why they should have missed out on the cash. Let this be a lesson to learn from and remain flexible with. Everyone is different. It never hurts to show a player you actually do want back you’re interested before flirting with another player.