ESPN is reportedly looking into making some changes in the “Sunday Night Baseball” booth.
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, the network has considered replacing commentator Jessica Mendoza, with ESPN wanting to build the booth around Alex Rodriguez.
To that end, ESPN has reportedly had discussions with YES Network analyst David Cone about a possible role with the network. There is some belief that the booth would be better with a pitcher in it, and they liked how things turned out when Rodriguez and Cone worked together on YES in a brief stint in 2019.
ESPN is still said to be high on Mendoza, and if she is moved off the broadcast, she is still expected to have a big role on the network. There remains a chance that the network could leave the booth as it is. There have been issues managing Mendoza’s dual role as a broadcaster and as a special assistant to Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, but executives tried to make it clear that Mendoza’s ill-advised social media posts about Mike Fiers have no impact on her future.
Mendoza’s front office role has caused some minor hindrances during her broadcasting career. Ultimately, though, this move seems to be about A-Rod, who ESPN clearly views as a star.
