• Headline: "MLB and ESPN End National TV Deal, Explore New Partnership Opportunities"

  • Feb 21 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Headline: "MLB and ESPN End National TV Deal, Explore New Partnership Opportunities"

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  • Summary

  • In the latest developments in Major League Baseball, a significant announcement has been made regarding the broadcast partnership between MLB and ESPN. The two parties have mutually agreed to end their national television deal after the 2025 season. However, this does not necessarily mean the end of their partnership, as ESPN has expressed interest in exploring new ways to serve MLB fans across their platforms beyond 2025, emphasizing a commitment to discipline and fiscal responsibility.

    On the field, spring training is in full swing. Recent games have seen notable performances and some concerning injuries. For instance, the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs faced off in a spring training game, where Dodgers' pitcher Bobby Miller had a scary moment but was able to walk off the field under his own power.

    Injury updates are a key focus as teams prepare for the season. Shohei Ohtani, who missed all of 2024 due to right elbow surgery and left shoulder labrum surgery, is on track to return as a two-way player for the Dodgers. He is expected to be ready as a hitter on Opening Day and as a pitcher by May. However, other Dodgers players like Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech are behind schedule due to injuries and may start the season on the injured list.

    Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves, recovering from a torn right ACL, is hopeful to return soon after Opening Day, although his exact return date is uncertain. Spencer Strider, also of the Braves, is progressing well after elbow surgery and may rejoin the rotation by the end of April.

    The Mets' Brandon Nimmo is managing plantar fasciitis in his left foot but is expected to miss only about a week of Grapefruit League action. Lance McCullers Jr. of the Astros, who underwent flexor tendon surgery, has thrown in the bullpen several times and could face hitters soon.

    Anthony Rendon of the Angels will undergo left hip surgery and miss a significant portion of the season, adding to his long list of injuries over the past few years. Zach Neto, also of the Angels, is ahead of schedule in his recovery from right shoulder surgery but is uncertain about his readiness for Opening Day.

    Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, who had Tommy John surgery, is fully participating in Spring Training and is expected to start on Opening Day. Eury Pérez, another Marlins player who underwent Tommy John surgery, is targeting a return around the All-Star break.

    In terms of roster moves, there have been no major trades or signings reported recently, but teams are finalizing their rosters as spring training progresses.

    Off the field, there are no new rule changes or league announcements apart from the broadcast deal with ESPN. However, this development could have significant implications for how MLB games are broadcast in the future.

    As for upcoming notable matchups, the focus is on the final stretch of spring training games before the regular season begins. Teams are gearing up for Opening Day, and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season.

    Thank you for listening to the Baseball News Tracker podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for the latest updates and analysis from the world of professional baseball.
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