Very, very strange.
Jeff Passan leaving MLB coverage to switch over to NBA would feel so weird.
Big time Michael Jordan on the White Sox vibe.
How does that even work?
Let’s talk about it.
ESPN is in such an odd place right now.
They pay big money to SVP, Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith.
NBA and NFL coverage mean everything to the company.
As do their hot takes.
Real analysis, breakdowns, and genuine opinions are a thing of the past for them.
The directive from up top is to say ridiculous shit and watch the engagement numbers fly.
You also had Woj leaving his post to become the GM of the Bonnies last week.
If not him, then pivot to someone maybe like Jake Fischer for a cheaper option.
The last person I expected to be in strong consideration for the gig was JEFF PASSAN.
Doesn’t even consider that there are other sports to watch.
Also, how would that even work?
Does Woj just give him his phone and say good luck?
Boom, you’re the new guy.
Falcon taking over for Captain America kinda shit.
Why Passan would do this is two fold.
- Way more money.
The Athletic estimates he makes around a million a year covering baseball.
Woj was making $7M and left $20M on his deal to enter the college basketball world.
If he can get half of that it’s a no brainer.
Meanwhile, ESPNs marriage to baseball is in a tenuous stage.
While ESPN could stay in business with MLB, it is not guaranteed.
ESPN has an interest in MLBs local rights, which could be where the two sides come together.
Maybe they gave him a heads up and he’s pivoting to a better opportunity?
Here’s another aspect to this Passan can write.
Woj wasn’t doing that anymore for ESPN while he was breaking news.
What good is he for their baseball coverage if they’re on their way out of that anyways?
They still have Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers.
For their interest value, they do they job.
And if they don’t, then oh well.
Passan bombs for NBA news will feel alien.
I don’t like this one bit.
