Longtime Mets radio announcer Howie Rose is set to call 84 games during the 2026 regular season, a slight reduction from his 100-game schedule in 2025. At 72, Rose will be behind the mic for every home game at Citi Field and three key Subway Series matchups at Yankee Stadium in September. However, he plans to skip the road games this season.
Since undergoing treatment for bladder cancer in 2021, Rose has been gradually scaling back his workload. Despite these changes, he remains committed to calling every Mets postseason game, whether home or away, if the team makes it to the playoffs. His future in broadcasting is something he evaluates annually, without setting a definitive end date.
Joining Rose in the booth for the fourth straight season is Keith Raad, with Pat McCarthy stepping in when Rose takes a break. Rose's journey with the Mets began in 1987 on the pre- and postgame shows, and he’s been a staple of the radio booth since 2004.
Rose shared that each offseason he reassesses his decision to continue, considering his health, the demands of preparation, and time spent away from his wife. He humorously noted that his lack of golfing prowess ensures the sport doesn’t interfere with his broadcasting duties.
A Mets Hall of Famer since 2023, Rose has been a constant voice for fans, calling 125 games in 2023 and 101 in 2024. He did miss some of the 2021 season due to cancer-related surgery but has remained a resilient presence in the booth.
In a recent spring training chat with Mets owner Steve Cohen, shared on the team’s social media, Rose expressed pride in mentoring the next generation of broadcasters like Wayne Randazzo, Pat McCarthy, Jake Eisenberg, and Keith Raad. His dedication to the craft and his role as a mentor continue to leave a lasting impact on the Mets community.