ESPN will need to make a new plan for its premier baseball broadcast in the 2022 MLB season. Matt Vasgersian has told ESPN executives that he is leaving the play-by-play position on Sunday Night Baseball, making the AL Wild Card Game his final game for ESPN on Tuesday.
After 4 years teamed with Alex Rodriguez on Sunday Night Baseball, Vasgersian wants to focus on new and pending deals with the MLB Network and potentially continue to expand on his role on the Los Angeles Angels’ regional telecasts.
“I decided to call it a wrap on Sunday Night Baseball,” Vasgersian said when reached by the New York Post. “I can’t do everything I enjoy with MLB Network and the Angels, while still being away for nearly 30 weekends a year.”
Alex Rodriguez’s contract is coming to an end with ESPN, and while Rodriguez comes with his fair share of critics, ESPN is expected to want to bring him back next season.
Some potential replacements for Vasgersian next season include Boog Sciambi, Karl Ravech, Jason Benetti, Michael Kay, Ryan Ruocco and Dave Flemming according to Marchand.
Next year, ESPN’s regular-season load will be considerably lighter, making the jockeying to be the new voice of Sunday Night Baseball potentially more intense. ESPN will not have weekly Monday or Wednesday games next season, as the focus will shift to Sundays and select marquee games.