Yankees Rumors: John Sterling Could Come Out of Retirement to Call 2024 MLB Playoffs

New York Yankees fans might hear a familiar voice once the 2024 MLB playoffs get underway.

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported legendary announcer John Sterling could end his retirement to work in the booth this October.

"Over the next few days, he is expected to discuss with Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero if he will return for the playoffs, according to a person briefed on the plans," Marchand reported. "Oliviero, who oversees WFAN, has not officially asked Sterling yet."

Sterling retired with immediate effect in April with the regular season already underway. The Yankees honored the 86-year-old, who called 5,631 total games, in an on-field ceremony.

WFAN, the flagship station for the Bronx Bombers' radio broadcasts, hasn't designated a true successor to Sterling. Marchand noted that Rickie Ricardo, Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari have most frequently assumed play-by-play duties.

Sterling did make a brief return during the Yankees' 9-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in extra innings. It coincided with Sterling and longtime analyst Suzyn Waldman being honored on a shirt given to fans.

Marchand noted the playoffs would only be a momentary pause for Sterling were he to get back in the booth. He'd go back into retirement in 2025, with WFAN and the Yankees launching a full search while evaluating Ricardo, Shackil and Berbari to determine their new full-time play-by-play voice.