Yankees make surprising decisions with YES Network team as former player says goodbye

New York Yankees fans have come to love the YES Network's broadcast team. Meredith Marakovits, Jack Curry, Michael Kay and Bob Lorenz are obvious favorites, but former players like Paul O'Neill, David Cone, Todd Frazier and Joe Girardi have really changed the game from a perspective standpoint.

And, of course, we can't forget about John Flaherty, whose work in the pre- and postgame (as well as occasional broadcasts) has been revered by dedicated viewers. Unfortunately, however, Flaherty's time has come to an end. He revealed on social media that the network will not be offering him a new contract and that his run of 20 years will be coming to an end.

A New Yorker himself, Flaherty finished his MLB career out with the Yankees across his final three seasons from 2003-2005, serving as the team's backup catcher. He immediately transitioned to broadcasting and found a home right when his playing days were over, making this departure a fairly emotional one.

Flaherty wasn't the only one to go, either. Former four-time World Series champion with the Yankees, Jeff Nelson, also won't have his contract renewed, in addition to Dave Valle (another former player, but with the Mariners — he's a New York native).

According to The Athletic, the network is "streamlining its broadcasts to feature its leading commentators" in Cone, O'Neill and Girardi. One or two of them are expected to be on every broadcast in 2026.

Yankees make multiple changes at YES Network as broadcast prepares for 2026

For whatever reason, The Athletic alluded to outside criticism in the form of "lack of consistency" in the booth, citing how the Mets' team of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling are "considered the best local booth in the game." That trio is undoubtedly good but ... are the Yankees really fretting about their profitable TV network and consistently good crew over the last few decades?

Sprinkling in some more personality and on-field experience always seems to be part of the equation, but it's hard to see why dismissing someone with great longevity and close-knit connections like Flaherty would be among the deciding factors.

We'll likely learn more in the coming weeks and months, but for now expect a revamped broadcast team for 2026 as the Yankees (once again) look to turn over a new leaf. At the very least, they plan to highlight a trio of their most critical voices, so maybe somebody will wake up soon.