Hisanori Takahashi’s stay with the Mets proved to be a short one.

The versatile lefty was granted his release yesterday when the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract. The Mets aren’t allowed to resign Takahashi until May 15, and he almost certainly will be with another team by then.

After spending a decade pitching in Japan, the 35-year-old was signed to a one-year deal in the offseason that stipulated he become a free agent if the Mets didn’t give him a new contract by Oct. 31, a deadline that was extended until last night.

But Takahashi’s asking price proved to be too high. He switched agents and hired Arn Tellem last week and sources said Takahashi was looking for a three-year deal, and the Mets’ new general manager, Sandy Alderson, wouldn’t go that far.

“Unfortunately, the Mets and I were not able to reach an agreement prior to the expiration of our negotiating deadline,” Takahashi said in a statement released by Tellem. “I am grateful to the Mets for the opportunity to start my Major League Baseball career with such a great franchise.”

Takahashi went 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA and eight saves in his rookie season, as a starter, middle reliever and closer — showing flexibility that Alderson praised last week. He likely will stay in the bullpen next season.

“Hisanori wanted to test the free agent market,” Alderson said yesterday in a statement. “We thank Hisanori for his contributions to the Mets in 2010 and wish him good luck in his future major league career.”