John Flaherty departs as YES reorganizes to three lead voices

John Flaherty, a former New York Yankees catcher turned broadcaster, said Wednesday that the YES Network will not offer him a contract for the 2026 season, bringing his 20-year run with the regional network to an end. A YES spokesperson confirmed that Flaherty, 58, and part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle will not return as the network reorganizes its Yankees coverage to feature three lead commentators more prominently.

"So I was informed yesterday that I will not be offered a contract from YES for next season!" Flaherty wrote on X. "I am very grateful for my 20 years at the Network. I want to thank the Yankees and especially the Yankee fans. Thank you for letting me be a little part of your day for 20 seasons!" In a follow-up post he added that he is "excited for the next chapter."

YES said the roster changes are part of an effort to streamline broadcasts and highlight David Cone, Paul O'Neill and Joe Girardi. The network plans to have one or two of those analysts on most game broadcasts next season. The network also expects lead play-by-play announcer Michael Kay to call roughly 135 games next year, with Ryan Ruocco covering about 15 as he balances commitments with a...