Veteran major league catcher John Flaherty ended his playing career with the New York Yankees in 2005.
For now, his broadcasting career is ending with the Yankees too.
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Flaherty revealed on his Twitter/X account Wednesday that YES, the Yankees’ regional sports network, will not offer him a contract for the 2026 season.
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“So I was informed yesterday that I will not be offered a contract from YES for next season!” Flaherty wrote. “I am very grateful for my 20 years at the Network. I want to thank the Yankees and especially the Yankee fans. Thank you for letting me be a little part of your day for 20 seasons!”
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It’s an upbeat message for a popular broadcaster who suddenly is without a role in the booth. In addition to game commentary, Flaherty also served as an analyst on YES’ Yankees pregame show, among other roles with the network.
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Flaherty was the casualty of a network initiative to “streamline its broadcasts to feature its leading commentators, David Cone, Paul O’Neill and Joe Girardi.”
Marchand also reports that part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle will also not return for Yankee broadcasts in 2026.
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Flaherty, 58, is a native of the Bronx. he played 14 years in MLB with the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres, Tampa Ba Devil Rays and Yankees from 1992-2005.
A 25th-round draft pick by the Red Sox out of George Washington University in 1988, Flaherty was inducted into his alma mater’s Hall of Fame in 1997.
Flaherty retired with a .252 batting average, 80 home runs, and 395 RBIs in 1,047 career games. He hit safely in 27 straight games in 1996, the second-longest hitting streak ever by a major league catcher.
According to Marchand, Flaherty will consider other opportunities in broadcasting in addition to work outside of professional baseball.
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