Another NY Mets contract is set to expire and it’s an important one

Pete Alonso is opting out. Edwin Diaz is unsure. At the forefront of the minds of New York Mets fans, it turns out there’s another contract we need to concern ourselves with.

It seems like only yesterday Keith Hernandez was heading into Opening Day without a deal. He agreed to one in mid-February 2023 and all was right with the world.

The contract was for three years. And if you’ve done the math, 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons add up. As Mike Puma of the NY Post reminded us, his contract is up.

Mets fans don’t need another reminder of how GKR won’t last forever

Mets fans are spoiled. Not by championships. It’s the broadcast trio of Gary, Keith, and Ron. Often considered one of the best in the game, it’s not a homer take to believe Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling do the job as well as anyone.

What makes it more unique is how the three work together without ever completely shutting another out. It’s not a too many chefs situation like some booths can get. The mixture of all three that helps make Mets games entertaining even when the action on the field isn’t.

Hernandez has been in the booth since 2006 and to lose him would be a huge blow to the broadcast team. At 71, the idea of retirement has surely crossed his mind in some capacity. The same goes for Howie Rose on the radio side of things. All good things must come to an end. Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any immediate thought this one will over a contract dispute.

It’s rare an athlete as great as Hernandez was can become such a perfect color commentator later in life. With the amount of money players make these days, it’s unlikely we’ll ever get someone quite as funny with the baseball IQ he possesses willing to put in as much work as he does. His absence was felt late in the 2025 season. Games just aren’t the same with him chiming in whether it’s breaking down an opposing team’s defense or ogling over a pickleball player.

There's no asking Steve Cohen for salvation. He has no ownership over SNY, with the Sterling Group owned by the Wilpons controlling 65%. If negotations get rough, at least we already have an idea of what Hernandez might have to say back.