Veteran Major League Baseball insider Jeff Passan has committed to a new multi-year contract with ESPN, announced on Monday, that will include hosting his own MLB podcast. This new series will be produced in collaboration with Omaha Productions, the media firm started by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and sports executive Jamie Horowitz. The renewal allows Passan to broaden his coverage and maintain his role as a top baseball analyst on ESPN platforms.
Expanded Role Across ESPN’s Digital and Television Platforms
In addition to the upcoming podcast, Passan will continue to provide exclusive breaking news and insightful analysis on ESPN.com and contribute regularly to prominent shows such as SportsCenter and The Pat McAfee Show. The timing of the announcement precedes the start of the 2026 MLB regular season, which is set to kick off on March 25.
Passan, who has been one of ESPN’s leading MLB reporters since joining the network in 2019, previously spent 13 years covering baseball at Yahoo Sports. A Cleveland native and Syracuse University graduate, he is also a New York Times bestselling author, further establishing his reputation as a respected voice in sports journalism.
Jeff Passan’s Perspective on the New Chapter
Reflecting on his ongoing career, Passan said,
“I came to ESPN seven years ago hoping to spend the rest of my career telling stories to the biggest and most passionate audience in the sports world,”
expressing his commitment to the network and its viewers. He added,
“I’m extraordinarily lucky to work with a team of great reporters, editors, producers, hosts and analysts. And I can’t wait to deliver an entirely new kind of baseball show for those who love the best game in the world.”
To share the news personally, Passan reposted the announcement on X, including a GIF featuring a man pointing to himself while holding a Corona, signaling his excitement about the new endeavor.
Significance of the New Podcast and Future Prospects
Jeff Passan’s expanded partnership with ESPN, combined with the launch of a dedicated MLB podcast, is indicative of the growing demand for in-depth baseball content among fans. Working alongside Omaha Productions under Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz’s guidance suggests a high-quality production aimed at deepening baseball storytelling. This development not only strengthens ESPN’s position as a leader in sports media but also offers fans fresh, expert perspectives on the game.
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, Passan’s increased presence across multiple platforms is expected to enhance baseball coverage and engage audiences seeking timely news and comprehensive analysis.
https://t.co/xZo7GXgPbI pic.twitter.com/Lohn1HWYqw
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 2, 2026
