Overview
- ESPN confirmed David Cone will not return to its MLB coverage, with a spokesperson thanking him for his contributions.
- The change follows ESPN’s opt-out of its MLB deal, with Sunday Night Baseball moving to NBC starting this season.
- Cone will continue as a Yankees analyst on YES Network, a commitment that complicated participation in ESPN’s new weeknight slate.
- Reports say ESPN declined to extend Cone’s contract as it takes a fresh look at its on-air baseball talent, while the statuses of Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez and Buster Olney remain unclear.
- NBC is viewed as a logical landing spot for Cone and Netflix is also mentioned as a possibility, while ESPN has shown interest in Joey Votto for limited game work, according to reports.