David Cone is coming home - or at least, he’s spending more time there.
The longtime Yankees right-hander and fan-favorite broadcaster is set to increase his presence in the YES Network booth for the 2026 season, and that’s music to the ears of Yankees fans. After juggling dual roles with YES and ESPN over the past four years, Cone will be stepping away from his national duties due to a shift in ESPN’s scheduling. That means more Cone on Yankees broadcasts - and for many, that’s a big win.
Here’s the deal: ESPN is moving away from its traditional “Sunday Night Baseball” format in favor of more weeknight games. That change created a scheduling conflict for Cone, who had typically balanced his ESPN appearances on Sundays with YES Network work during the week. With both networks now competing for the same time slots, Cone is sticking with YES.
For the Yankees and their fans, this couldn’t have come at a better time. YES has already undergone some offseason shakeups, choosing not to renew the contracts of fellow broadcasters John Flaherty and Jeff Nelson. That leaves Cone as the clear lead voice - not just by default, but because he’s earned it.
Cone’s value in the booth goes well beyond name recognition. He brings a rare mix of championship pedigree, analytical insight, and authentic storytelling that resonates with fans.
He’s not afraid to call it like it is - even when it comes to the Yankees. Whether he’s breaking down a young player’s swing mechanics or questioning a managerial decision, Cone offers a level of honesty and nuance that’s hard to come by in team-centric broadcasts.
What makes Cone unique is that he doesn’t just echo the franchise’s greatest hits - he lived them, but he also lived the messier parts too. He’s got five World Series rings and a Cy Young Award, but he also knows what it’s like to pitch through slumps, bounce between franchises, and navigate the intense spotlight of New York City. That experience gives his commentary a grounded, real-world edge that fans respect.
And let’s be honest - Cone’s connection to the Yankees runs deep. He’s been part of the YES Network since its inception in 2002 (with a few breaks along the way), and he’s always brought a blend of sharp analysis and clubhouse credibility. He’s not just another former player in a suit; he’s someone who understands the DNA of the Yankees, from the glory years to the gritty rebuilds.
Even his off-field stories - like his brief Mets comeback that reportedly irked George Steinbrenner - add layers to his persona. Cone’s been in the thick of New York baseball culture for decades, and he doesn’t shy away from sharing the full scope of that experience, warts and all. It’s part of what makes him so compelling in the booth: he’s lived the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
So while the Hall of Fame may not have called, Yankees fans know what they have in David Cone. He’s a voice that brings insight, honesty, and a deep connection to the game - and now, they’ll be hearing a lot more of it. With YES giving him the spotlight, 2026 is shaping up to be another strong chapter in Cone’s second act as one of baseball’s most trusted voices.