CC's emotions don't have to filter to the team for the players to realize that Stearns is punting on the season.
To clarify, I'm not all that upset about Hader being traded because this team isn't a true World Series contender, but I am upset that DS got so little in return. The Padres absolutely fleeced him. At the same time, I am not a GM who's job it is to put pieces in place to make that World Series push when you're a first place team, however bleak that may look. When was the last time a first place team a seller at the trade deadline?