The New York Mets have been active this offseason, but perhaps no move has resonated more with the fanbase than the one that doesn’t impact the field - at least not directly. Keith Hernandez is officially returning to the SNY broadcast booth for the upcoming season, and for Mets fans, that’s a win in its own right.
Hernandez, whose contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, has been a fixture on Mets broadcasts since SNY’s inception in 2006. This will mark his 21st season in the booth, and his return ensures that one of baseball’s most beloved broadcast trios - Hernandez, Gary Cohen, and Ron Darling - remains intact.
If you’ve tuned into a Mets game over the past two decades, you know the magic this group brings. Cohen’s sharp play-by-play, Darling’s analytical depth, and Hernandez’s blend of wit, insight, and storytelling have become part of the fabric of Mets baseball. It’s not just commentary - it’s a conversation with friends who know the game inside and out.
Before he was a voice in the booth, Hernandez was a force on the field. A 17-year MLB veteran, he suited up for the Cardinals, Mets, and Indians, compiling a career .296 batting average with 2,182 hits.
His 1979 season was the stuff of legend - he hit .344 and shared National League MVP honors with Pirates icon Willie Stargell. That year helped cement his reputation as one of the most complete first basemen of his era.
A five-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion - once with St. Louis, once with New York - Hernandez’s resume is already impressive.
But what truly set him apart was his glove. He earned 11 Gold Glove Awards at first base, a record that still stands, and helped redefine what the position could be defensively.
The Mets honored that legacy by retiring his No. 17, a number now woven into the team’s history. And while his playing days are long behind him, his presence in the booth continues to impact the franchise in a different but equally meaningful way.
Hernandez brings more than just knowledge - he brings personality. His offbeat humor, sharp baseball mind, and unmistakable voice have made him a staple of summer nights in Queens. Whether he’s breaking down a pitcher’s mechanics or riffing on the quirks of a ballpark hot dog, he’s always entertaining, always insightful.
For Mets fans, having Keith Hernandez back in the booth isn’t just about continuity - it’s about keeping a piece of the team’s soul in place. And as the Mets look to turn the page on the field in 2026, they’ll do so with one of their most iconic voices still calling the action.