Overview
- ESPN confirmed Friday that David Cone is leaving after the network chose not to extend his contract as it takes a “fresh look” at its MLB talent.
- The change follows ESPN’s opt-out from its MLB deal last year, with Sunday Night Baseball and the full Wild Card round moving to NBC.
- With ESPN narrowing to a limited weekday slate, Cone’s Yankees commitments on YES would have made continued ESPN game work difficult.
- NBC is widely viewed as Cone’s most logical next stop, while Netflix is also floated as a possible home for select MLB events.
- ESPN has not announced plans for the rest of its lead MLB crew, though executives had noted Cone’s availability was tied to Sunday night assignments.