John Flaherty out as YES Network Yankees analyst

John Flaherty will not return to the YES Network’s Yankees coverage next season, a spokesman for the network confirmed on Wednesday.

Flaherty, 58, a former Yankees catcher, has done game analysis, studio analysis and play-by-play for YES in his two decades with the network.

“So I was informed yesterday that I will not be offered a contract from YES for next season!” Flaherty wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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!”

Part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle also will not return, part of a streamlining of the roster of analysts to focus on David Cone, Joe Girardi and Paul O’Neill. The Athletic first reported YES’ new approach.

YES has been criticized by many since its inception in 2002 for using too many analysts in its rotation rather than deploying a consistent group the way SNY has done for 20 years with Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling on Mets telecasts.

Michael Kay will remain YES’ primary Yankees play-by-play man with Ryan Ruocco as his backup.

By Neil Best

neil.best@newsday.com@sportswatch

Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.