John Flaherty Exits Yankees Broadcasts On YES Network

John Flaherty and Michael Kay

YES Network will not renew longtime Yankees analyst John Flaherty for 2026, part of a broadcast overhaul to spotlight David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Girardi on every telecast, sources told The Athletic.

Flaherty, 58, spent 20 years in the YES booth after catching for the Yankees (2003–05) during a 14-year MLB career. The network also parted ways with part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle. Cone, O’Neill, and Girardi—all champions from the 1990s–2000s dynasty alongside Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera—will rotate as the primary voices. One or two will appear in every game.

Flaherty learned of the decision Monday from executive producer Jared Boshnack. YES declined his contract option in August but could have re-signed him.

“I was kind of prepared for it,” Flaherty said. “It quickly went from reality to gratitude—what a great run: 20 years with the same network, right from retiring in 2006 into the booth.”

He called the end of a 38-year baseball chapter—from signing his first minor-league deal at 20—“exciting,” open to new broadcasting roles or ventures outside the sport.

The move addresses criticism of YES’s analyst rotation. Across town, SNY’s consistent trio of Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez is widely regarded as MLB’s top local booth.

A YES spokesperson confirmed the departures of Flaherty, Nelson, and Valle.