John Flaherty, born in New York, showed his passion for baseball at a young age, being selected in 1998 by the Boston Red Sox to begin his 14-year career in the Major Leagues, including three years with the Yankees at the end of his career that culminated with a .252 average, 80 home runs and 395 RBIs.
Upon retiring, Flaherty found a new role at YES Network in 2006 and quickly became one of the most beloved commentators. For 20 years, his voice accompanied New York Yankees games, bringing his on-field expertise to his analysis and commentary alongside other hosts such as Michael Kay and Ryan Ruocco.
The end of an era at YES Network: changes in New York Yankees broadcasts
After two decades at YES Network, the network decided not to renew John Flaherty’s contract as part of a restructuring that aims to give prominence to other analysts such as David Cone, Paul O’Neil and Joe Girardi. Despite the news, Flaherty reacted with gratitude:
Yesterday I was informed that YES will not offer me a contract for next season! I am very grateful for my 20 years at the network. I want to thank the Yankees and especially their fans. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your day for 20 seasons!
Sources from The Athletic indicated that YES’ plan is for two of the three aforementioned analysts to participate in most of the broadcasts, and that Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle will also not return for next season in 2026.
Yankees broadcast changes and team reshuffle after 2025 season
YES Network is not the only one going through a transformation, as the New York Yankees are also entering a period of adjustment after a 2025 season full of ups and downs that culminated in a painful elimination in the Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays in four games, extending a 16-year drought without winning a World Series. Fans began to pressure the organization to have a restructuring that will put them back at the top of MLB.
While there is still nothing official about the changes that the Bronx organization will have, it is expected that some pieces will change in the franchise and with a tempting free agent market with players such as Kyle Tucker, Pete Alonso and Framber Valdez, with whom the Yankees could begin negotiations.
In addition, Anthony Volpe, shortstop and Carlos Rodon, pitcher, have taken advantage of the MLB offseason to have surgical procedures so they will need to have important planning if they want to be contenders in the American League and break the drought without winning a Fall Classic.
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