YES Network Cuts Three Yankees Analysts

The YES Network has declined to bring back longtime analyst and fill-in play-by-play John Flaherty for the 2026 season and has also declined to renew part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle. The moves are part of a plan to streamline broadcasts around marquee commentators David Cone, Paul O’Neill and Joe Girardi, with YES planning to feature one or two of the trio on every telecast. Flaherty, who joined YES in 2006 after a 14-year major-league playing career, was told this summer by YES executive producer Jared Boshnack that an option on his contract had been declined; he posted on X thanking Yankees fans and saying he's 'excited for the next chapter.' YES confirmed the personnel decisions publicly as it retooled its Yankees coverage, and said Michael Kay will remain the lead play-by-play voice with Ryan Ruocco as his backup. Flaherty’s departure ends a two-decade local run and leaves open the possibility he pursues other broadcasting or non-baseball opportunities.