Bold take: ESPN’s new MLB schedule could cost them their strongest analyst, David Cone.
The network is shifting its marquee game from Sunday Night Baseball to a midweek slot starting next season. This change pits ESPN’s schedule against Cone’s heavy workload with the Yankees-affiliated YES Network, raising the possibility of a separation between the two, as reported by Front Office Sports.
Cone’s contract is said to run out around the start of the 2026 MLB season, which kicks off March 25 with the Giants hosting the Yankees.
ESPN reportedly loves Cone and wants to keep him, but coordinating two distinct network commitments will be a challenge. One source bluntly summarized the situation: we’ll see how it plays out.
At 62, Cone is widely regarded as one of the game’s premier analysts, celebrated for his deep dives into pitchers and hitters’ mental approaches after a 17-year major league career.
Under the old arrangement, ESPN’s Sunday showcase aligned more easily with Cone’s Yankees duties since missed Sunday duties were feasible, and there were generally weekend series without Cone on duty.
2025 marked Cone’s fourth year calling Sunday Night Baseball games, and he has been with YES Network since 2011, with earlier stints in 2002 and 2008–09.
Jared Boshnack, YES’s executive producer and VP of production, told Front Office Sports that Cone called 40 Yankees games last season and is slated for more this coming season. Boshnack praised Cone, saying, “David is phenomenal. He makes our team better. We’re very happy to have him.”
Cone’s increased Yankees workload comes as YES Network moves away from longtime analyst John Flaherty, who exited the booth amid a Yankees TV shakeup.
If ESPN and Cone cannot find workable logistics, a shift to NBC or Netflix could be on the table. NBC is reintroducing Sunday Night Baseball, with 25 games planned for the 2026 season, according to ESPN.
NBC is reportedly seeking a star game analyst for those broadcasts, plus additional wild-card coverage.
Netflix is dipping its toe into MLB—though with a smaller slate—focusing on the Home Run Derby and a limited schedule.
Netflix will stream the season-opening Yankees vs. Giants game and the Field of Dreams game on August 13, featuring the Twins against the Phillies.
