ESPN’s MLB Squeeze Play Show Highlights Key Plays This Postseason

ESPN is set to launch a new whip-around show called 'Baseball Tonight Special: MLB Squeeze Play' on September 11, 2024, from 7-10:30 p.m. This program will focus on key plays and games as the Major League Baseball regular season approaches its conclusion, particularly highlighting Division and Wild Card games. The show aims to provide live look-ins, especially featuring players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge as they pursue significant milestones. The final Sunday Night Baseball game of the season will showcase the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets on September 22 at 7 p.m. Additionally, ESPN will air its last Baseball Tonight episode of the regular season on September 29 from 6-8 p.m. This new programming comes at a crucial time for ESPN, as they hold exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2024 MLB Wild Card Series starting October 1. The introduction of this show coincides with a significant moment for both ESPN and Major League Baseball, as it may represent the last MLB content under the current broadcast deal, which was established in May 2021 and is valued at $550 million annually. Furthermore, the launch occurs amid a carriage dispute between Disney Co. and DirecTV, resulting in the blackout of ESPN channels, which adds urgency to the new programming. Overall, 'MLB Squeeze Play' is designed to enhance viewer engagement during the postseason, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of critical games and player performances as the league heads into the playoffs.