Story byMatt ReedMon, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM UTC·2 min readThe 2026 MLB season will start in March after the World Baseball Classic, and a top ESPN insider is getting a big-time payday before the new campaign launches. ESPN is home to some of the top insiders in sports, including Adam Schefter in the NFL and Shams Charania covering the NBA. Meanwhile, MLB continues to be analyzed closely by another top ESPN inside. rAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, baseball insider Jeff Passan is gearing up for the 2026 MLB season with some added contract assurances. ESPN revealed Monday that Passan has signed a multi-year deal that keeps him at the company for years to come. MORE: MLB star pitcher claims USA’s ‘dominance’ before 2026 World Baseball ClassicMeanwhile, Passan is also teaming up with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions to launch a new podcast that will be housed within ESPN’s network. The timing of the MLB insider’s new contract comes after ESPN gave away its opportunity to continue hosting top primetime baseball games.