Baseball analyst Jessica Mendoza has signed a new contract at ESPN — one which will both increase her profile at the network and help her make history. At NBC News, Nicole Acevedo has the details, along with all of the ways in which Mendoza’s new role is groundbreaking.
She’ll become the first woman to serve as a solo analyst for a national package of MLB game, including ESPN’s season-opening coverage, weeknight games and holiday baseball.
The announcement came on Friday, following weeks of speculation about whether Mendoza would leave Sunday Night Baseball and what her new role would be at the network. The NBC News report notes that she will leave her position on that show, and will also resign from her role as an adviser to the New York Mets, a position that has drawn some controversy in recent months.
Mendoza’s comments about the sign-stealing scandal — something the league and larger baseball community is still processing — resulted in criticism from some within the sport.
According to ESPN’s press release, it won’t be long before viewers can see her in her new role:
Her first game assignment of 2020 is ESPN’s March 2 spring training telecast when the Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Angels. Her first regular season game this year is March 30.
Mendoza will also contribute commentary and analysis for ESPN’s broadcasts during the week, along with radio and studio show appearances. It’s another big move for an already-groundbreaking broadcaster.
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