Mass layoffs hit SNY hard on Friday, shaking up the network that covers the New York Mets, and the reactions from current and former employees are pouring in. This isn’t just a corporate reshuffle, this is a gut punch to a lot of seriously talented people who put their heart into broadcasting baseball.
The SNY Family Is Hurting
Sal Licata, a longtime SNY presence, didn’t mince words on a livestream. He’s “sick to his stomach” because so many “superb people who are great at what they do” were affected. Licata, who said if it were up to him, he would have stayed at SNY his entire career, made it clear that no other place he’s worked compares to it. It’s a brutal reminder of the changing industry, as Michelle Margaux tweeted, calling it “AWFUL for the people most-affected.” Still, she’s confident “the cream will rise to the top” after nearly seven years working there. Steve Gelbs echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that many affected weren’t just colleagues or even just friends. “They were family,” he wrote on Twitter, admiring the “incredibly talented, creative people” who made the job feel like anything but work. Even SNY MLB Insider Chelsea Janes, who hadn’t been there long, immediately felt it was a “special place” where people cared about their work, prioritized joy, and loved baseball just like the fans. She’s “heartbroken” for those impacted, even as she and others left promise to keep that spirit alive.
Around the Diamond: Offseason Buzz and Roster Moves
While the SNY news dominates, there’s still plenty of movement around the league. Over in the National League East, Paul Casella of MLB.com broke down the best and worst case scenarios for every pitcher in the Phillies’ projected 2027 starting rotation. Meanwhile, the Nationals’ decision to extend Jacob Young could potentially complicate Dylan Crews’ future in Washington, according to Sam Sallick at Federal Baseball. Jessica Camerato, also of MLB.com, is already eyeing three Nationals pitchers she thinks could be absolutely key to their success next season. It’s never too early to start looking ahead, right?
Beyond the division, the whole league is buzzing. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cody Bellinger just snatched up Platinum Gold Glove awards, for the National League and American League respectively. Big congrats to those guys! Mike Petriello of MLB.com ranked all 30 MLB rosters heading into free agency, and guess what? The Mets landed at number 6. That’s a pretty strong spot to be in as the hot stove starts to really heat up. In Triple-A news, the Yankees’ affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is rebranding from the RailRiders to the Highlanders, giving a shout-out to the Yankees’ original name from way back when they first moved from Baltimore. Plus, there’s a new arm coming to MLB soon, as reliever Jyun-Yue Tseng from Taiwan’s Fubon Guardians is entering the posting system, meaning teams can sign him as a free agent until December 22. And hey, even the umpires are making news: five retired guys , Joe West, Tom Hallion, Gerry Davis, Larry Vanover and Jerry Layne , are suing over their MLB retirement plan, saying they are owed more cash. Wild, right?
What’s Next: Free Agency Looms
With the offseason in full swing, especially after a ranking like #6 for the Mets, the big focus shifts to free agency. Teams are going to be making moves, and with a fresh face like Jyun-Yue Tseng available, and roster analysis for 2027 already dropping, things are about to get really interesting. Keep your eyes peeled for those big signings and trades, because the shape of next season is starting to form right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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