Mattingly, Jeter on YES wish list for ’23
THE YES Network made changes to its broadcast booth last season and, as it looks to free agency, it is intrigued by two of the biggest names in Yankees history, The Post has learned.
As YES begins constructing its broadcast lineup for next year, it has discussed the possibility of making an attempt for two of the greatest and most popular Yankees in the team’s history — Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly.
“You don’t say no to Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly, if there is a place for them in your universe, you find a way to make it work,” YES president of programming and production John Filippelli told The Post when asked about the potential plans. “We haven’t had any in-depth discussion with either. If they are A) available and B) interested, you probably at least have to have a conversation.”
Jeter is looked upon as a long shot as he has shown no penchant for broadcasting. A representative for Jeter did not return a message seeking comment.
When reached by text, Mattingly said this was the first he had heard of the possibility.
“I have something else burning fairly hot right now,” Mattingly said. “Depends how that goes.”
Mattingly will be a guest on The Post’s podcast “The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman” on Tuesday.
Both Jeter and Mattingly left the Marlins over the past year. Jeter resigned as CEO of the Marlins after five years. Mattingly managed the Marlins for seven seasons, longer than anyone in the club’s history. He also led the Dodgers before that.
Last year, YES Network delved into free agency with mixed results. Carlos Beltran and Cameron Maybin were added as game analysts and there was a learning curve, especially for Beltran.
YES felt Beltran performed better in-studio than he did during games. Maybin also did work for MLB Network and Marquee, the Cubs’ regional sports network.
Meanwhile, the belief is if Paul O’Neill is back, he will need to be in the booth. O’Neill, whose contract is up, awkwardly did games from his basement as YES has workplace rules for unvaccinated employees. There is real hope a resolution can be reached to get him back at games. The broadcasts were stilted and delayed with O’Neill not on site with the rest of the crew.
David Cone’s workload with YES was lighter last season as he added ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” to his schedule. YES could have John Flaherty, who also is in need of a new contract, on more games. It also liked Jeff Nelson’s work during his limited appearances.
Longtime studio analyst Jack Curry and sideline reporter Meredith Marakovits also have contracts that are up and are wanted back by YES.
Filippelli and Jeter have had some initial, lighthearted contact. In August, Filippelli was on ESPN’s “Kay-Rod” set for Yankees lead play-by-player Michael Kay’s ESPN “Sunday Night Baseball” alt-broadcast with Alex Rodriguez. Filippelli, who has known Jeter for more than a quarter century, started to speak about the possibility. Jeter, with a bit of humor, said “no” immediately. It was not formal, nor serious, though it very likely could be Jeter’s final stance.
But in an offseason in which the Yankees have some big names to retain and go after on the field, YES may try to make a splash of its own with Mattingly and Jeter on the open market.