Ron Darling is confident that Mets legend and beloved SNY analyst Keith Hernandez will be back in 2026.
Hernandez’s contract concluded after the 2025 season wrapped up on the regional sports network, but that doesn’t seem to have Darling worried that the broadcast booth may look different next year.
“Oh, 100 percent,” Darling said during an appearance on “Spiegel and Holmes” on 670 The Score when he was asked about the former Mets first baseman’s contract situation.
“There’s no way that we can even do what we do without Keith. When Gary Cohen and I do the broadcast ourselves, it tends to get a little nerdy because we’re both a little nerdy by just who we are,” Darling said. “And Keith lightens it up, surely.”
“No one entertains better than Keith Hernandez.”
Hernandez, 71, signed a three-year contract extension in February 2023 and told The Post’s Mike Puma last week that he wanted to continue the job.
“My contract has run out, but I would love to continue in the booth. I enjoy what I do,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez joined SNY in 2006 when it first launched, making the jump to the network after having worked Mets games on MSG.
The 1979 National League Co-MVP has become a beloved figure on Mets telecasts, and the SNY booth of Gary Cohen, Hernandez and Darling is often held up as one of the best local broadcast trios in MLB.
Hernandez has three Emmy Awards during his stretch on SNY, earning top “Sports Analyst” honors in 2009, 2012 and 2015.
Hernandez was a member of the Mets from 1983-89 and was a member of the last Mets squad to win a World Series title in 1986.
He is in the ballclub’s Hall of Fame, and his No. 17 was retired by the Mets.
