Major League Baseball‘s official website, MLB.com, enacted a round of layoffs on Thursday, releasing several writers just days before the start of Spring Training. This unexpected move came as a shock within the sports media community, impacting journalists who have been covering teams across the league including the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.
The layoffs were first reported by Awful Announcing and later confirmed by multiple writers directly involved. John Denton, a longtime Cardinals reporter, revealed the news through social media shortly after 4 p.m. ET, expressing the difficult timing and personal impact of the decision.
Veteran Reporter John Denton Shares Personal Response to Layoff
John Denton, who has covered the St. Louis Cardinals for four years at MLB.com, reflected on the news with a mix of disappointment and hope. He described the media industry as challenging yet a commitment many journalists willingly embrace.
Today is a rough one as I — and a few other colleagues — were informed by MLB that we were being laid off, effective immediately. The timing is tough with Spring Training a few days away.
Four years ago, I was hired by MLB .com to cover the #STLCards and it’s been a great run. (I’ll always cherish the excitement in my late father’s voice upon telling him.) Most of all, I’ll miss the great friends I made in STL and my wonderful MLB.com teammates.
Who knows where I’ll go from here? I’ve been writing about sports for 34 years, and I know I have plenty of good stories left in me. It’s been a dream job that has allowed me to see the world and observe great athletes.
Tomorrow will be a better day, I’m sure of that.
— John Denton, Cardinals Writer
Denton’s message conveyed a sense of resilience and gratitude for the opportunities he experienced while covering one of baseball’s iconic franchises. He acknowledged the deep connections built with teammates and friends in St. Louis and expressed faith in the future despite the sudden change.
Another Longtime MLB.com Writer Among Those Affected
Shortly after Denton’s announcement, Alex Stumpf, a veteran journalist for the Pittsburgh Pirates, shared that he too was let go as part of MLB.com’s internal restructuring. Stumpf highlighted his pride in the work completed during his tenure and thanked his readers for their support over the years.
Some personal news. I was let go by MLB dot com today as part of a restructuring within the company. I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
— Alex Stumpf, Pirates Writer
Stumpf’s statement reflected the difficult nature of industry-wide changes, while remaining focused on moving forward and pursuing new opportunities beyond MLB.com.
Broader Industry Instability Affects Sports Media Workspace
This wave of layoffs at MLB.com is part of a larger pattern affecting sports journalism and media companies alike. Earlier in the week, the Washington Post made headlines by laying off about a third of its entire workforce, including its entire sports section, underscoring widespread cuts across major news organizations.
The timing of MLB.com’s cuts is particularly impactful, as Spring Training marks a pivotal phase in baseball’s calendar when stadiums fill with anticipation and new storylines emerge. Losing experienced writers during such a critical window could influence the depth and immediacy of baseball coverage offered to fans.
Implications for Baseball Fans and Media Landscape
These layoffs signal the ongoing financial pressures and evolving priorities within sports media, highlighting challenges in sustaining extensive coverage in a shifting digital landscape. For those passionate about baseball, the departure of familiar voices like Denton and Stumpf may underscore a transitional moment for how the sport is chronicled in the media.
As former MLB.com writers seek new directions, their experience and stories remain valuable assets for future endeavors. The sports journalism field continues to redefine itself, balancing traditional reporting with modern demands, and the coming months could reveal new opportunities for these seasoned journalists.
The media business is a tough one, but journalists still sign up for it everyday.
Today is a rough one as I — and a few other colleagues — were informed by MLB that we were being laid off, effective immediately. The timing is tough with Spring Training a few days away. (1/2)
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 4, 2026
Who knows where I’ll go from here? I’ve been writing about sports for 34 years, and I know I have plenty of good stories left in me. It’s been a dream job that has allowed me to see the world and observe great athletes.
Tomorrow will be a better day, I’m sure of that. (3/3)
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 4, 2026
Some personal news. I was let go by MLB dot com today as part of a restructuring within the company.
I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) February 4, 2026
