Pat McAfee almost didn’t host his NFL Draft Spectacular show from Green Bay. And then he did.
That had more to do with the respect—or lack thereof—he felt his show was granted during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. It wasn’t about available space. The NFL had plenty of that, but Major League Baseball appears to be a bit more limited in that area. McAfee said as much on Monday’s show, as he and his cast of characters interviewed Seattle Mariners catcher Cal ‘Big Dumper’ Raleigh.
The 28-year-old Raleigh, who signed a long-term extension before the season to remain in Seattle through 2031, is participating in the Home Run Derby month. The MLB All-Star game festivities will be held at Truist Park the week of July 13th. And McAfee and his crew wanted a piece of it, too. But it sounds like there is — or are — some holdups.
“We’re trying our best to come,” McAfee told Raleigh. “I don’t know if there’s enough space — that’s a real thing. I guess we kind of got here late to the game and all the spots have basically been taken up for everything, but [Mike Foss] is in the middle of trying to figure it out. So there’s a chance. What I’m saying is: we had wanted to come because we think the Derby’s awesome… I think it’s one of the best things in all of sports, the Home Run Derby. Legitimately.”
“So we had wanted to utilize ESPN’s access to get to the Derby. I guess we got in a little bit late, and now we’re trying to figure it out. But we’re trying to get there. We’re big fans of the Derby.”
We’re trying our best to get to the Home Run Derby#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/aAJo8RfnbT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 30, 2025
They could theoretically put McAfee and friends in the outfield with some gloves. Why not? Other than the liability issue and the potential for trampling over children who have been designated as flyball shaggers, there’s not a ton of downside.
And as far as MLB expanding its reach goes, the league has already invited Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s All the Smoke out to the Battery in Atlanta. What’s one more? Especially considering the attention McAfee’s show has given baseball, arguably more than any other ESPN morning program. They’ve interviewed players, reacted to significant moments, and treated baseball like it’s still part of the national conversation.
If MLB wants to continue growing its reach, making room for McAfee and his crew would be a smart business move.