John Flaherty’s time at the YES Network has come to an end after two decades.
The former Yankees catcher turned analyst and occasional play-by-play man tweeted that the network did not offer him a contract for the 2026 season on Wednesday. A YES spokesperson confirmed that Flaherty, as well as part-time analysts Jeff Nelson — another ex-Yankee — and Dave Valle, will not return.
“I am very grateful for my 20 years at the network,” the 58-year-old Flaherty wrote. “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!”
Asked if new talent would join the YES Network for the 2026 season, the spokesperson said there was nothing to note aside from the departing trio at this time. However, YES decided not to bring Flaherty, Nelson and Valle back in an effort to minimize the musical chair-like rotation that the network’s broadcasts had become accustomed to. Moving forward, YES will give more airtime to its top commentators, David Cone — who also has experience at ESPN — Paul O’Neill and Joe Girardi.
That trio factored into the Yankees’ championship dynasty run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Girardi added another World Series victory as manager in 2009.
Nelson was also part of the Yankees’ last dynasty run, while Valle, a former big league catcher and Bayside native, never played for the team. Flaherty, who hails from Rockland County, finished his career with the Bombers from 2003-2005.
“Flash” quickly joined YES following his retirement, serving as an analyst and commentator on multiple programs, in addition to game broadcasts. Flaherty also handled play-by-play duties every once in a while when Michael Kay and Ryan Ruocco were unavailable.
