ESPN Finalizes MLB.tv Deal, Will Keep Service Exclusive to ESPN App

The change makes ESPN the gateway for out-of-market baseball even as MLB has not formally announced its broader rights slate.

Overview

John Ourand of Puck reported that ESPN has finalized its acquisition of MLB.tv, marking the first confirmed piece of ESPN’s new rights package.
MLB.tv will not be available on YouTube TV under Disney’s carriage arrangement and instead will be sold within the ESPN app, according to the reporting.
Major League Baseball has yet to issue a comprehensive announcement on its new three-year deals with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix.
NBCUniversal has signaled its role by saying NBCSN will air dozens of regular-season games and some postseason contests in a soon-to-be-announced agreement.
Reporting indicates ESPN’s package is expected to include a weeknight telecast and local rights for five clubs, with NBC taking Sunday Night Baseball and Wild Card games and Netflix carrying Opening Night and the Home Run Derby.