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MLB on TBS analyst and longtime New York Mets broadcaster Ron Darling made it clear he can’t imagine the Mets’ television booth without his longtime partner Keith Hernandez.
During an appearance on 670 The Score’s Spiegel & Holmes program, Darling spoke about Hernandez’s uncertain contract status with SportsNet New York (SNY), Darling didn’t mince words about the former first baseman’s importance to the network’s acclaimed broadcast trio.
“Oh, 100%, there’s no way that we can even do what we do without Keith,” Darling said. “When Gary [Cohen] and I do the broadcast ourselves, it tends to get a little nerdy, because we’re both a little nerdy by just who we are. And Keith lightens it up.”
Hernandez, the longtime SNY analyst and former Mets first baseman confirmed that his contract with the network has expired following his 20th season in the booth. Hernandez told The New York Post’s Mike Puma he wants to continue alongside play-by-play voice Gary Cohen and fellow analyst Ron Darling.
“My contract has run out, but I would love to continue in the booth,” Hernandez said in a Q&A published Friday. “I enjoy what I do.”
While SNY has not commented publicly on negotiations, Darling’s remarks underscore how vital Hernandez’s presence is to the chemistry that has long made the Mets booth one of baseball’s most popular.
The trio of Cohen, Darling, and Hernandez has been widely praised for its blend of deep baseball insight, humor, and storytelling — a combination that connects with both die-hard fans and casual viewers across a grueling 162-game season.
Darling went on to compare the Mets crew to other standout broadcast teams across Major League Baseball.
“When I look around the booths in the league — and they’re both friends of mine — Boog [Sciambi] and Jim Deshaies, they’re just so excellent,” Darling said. “Because not only are they on point with all the things you have to be on point with, but they have fun, and they have a great time. And that’s what it’s all about over a regular 162 — at some point you’re trying to entertain those folks who are watching.”
According to Darling, no one does that better than Hernandez. “No one entertains better than Keith Hernandez,” he added.
The comments come amid growing fan speculation about whether Hernandez will return to SNY next season. Hernandez, 71, signed his most recent three-year deal before the 2023 season. While his future at the network remains uncertain, his contributions have been significant.
He has earned three New York Emmy Awards for “Sports Analyst” (2009, 2012, 2015) during his tenure. He played an integral role in helping SNY establish itself as the Mets’ flagship broadcaster when it launched in 2006. Prior to that, he worked Mets games on MSG.
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