In a move that marks the end of an era for Sunday broadcasts, ESPN has confirmed the departure of David Cone, one of the most respected analysts in professional baseball. The news, first reported by Front Office Sports, comes at a time of deep restructuring for the network following the signing of a new multi-million dollar contract with Major League Baseball.
ESPN fires famous MLB analyst David Cone
The departure of the former pitcher and five-time All-Star is not a technical coincidence, but the result of a change in broadcast rights strategy. Last year, ESPN struck a three-year, $550 million deal in which it relinquished the rights to the iconic Sunday Night Baseball in exchange for a package of midweek games.
This schedule change created an insurmountable logistical conflict for Cone, who also plays a key role at YES Network covering the New York Yankees. Unable to juggle both roles under the network’s new scheme, ESPN opted not to renew his contract and to seek a “new look” for its analyst team.
New changes for ESPN
Since 2022, Cone has formed a solid team that is well-liked by audiences alongside Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez. An ESPN spokesperson publicly thanked the analyst for his “numerous contributions” and wished him success in his future endeavors.
“We thank David for his many contributions to our MLB coverage and wish him well,” a source told Front Office Sports.
Cone’s departure leaves a significant vacancy in MLB coverage, as fans wait to see who will take up the challenge of bringing the analytical depth that characterized the former player during his years with the network.
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