(Photo : Wiki)

ESPN,  the world's number one sports network, announced on Friday that Jessica Mendoza has signed a contract with their national radio element. The contract expands her role for ESPN as the first woman to serve as a solo analyst for a national package of MLB games and this includes the ESPN's opening season games, weeknight games, and holiday games.

Moreover, Mendoza will also join the ESPN Radio's World Series coverage and will become the first woman to become an analyst on national radio working the series. 

With Medoza's decision to sign another contract with ESPN, she will step down from her present role as the adviser of the New York Mets and an analyst of "Sunday Night Baseball" that is broadcasted on ESPN.

Jessica Mendoza is a native of California and a second-generation Mexican-American who also became the first female in-game analyst on ESPN for MLB games in 2015. 

Mendoza said during the interview: "Some of the best memories of my career have been with 'Sunday Night Baseball' and I will miss my time with our amazing crew, who have been like family. I'm grateful to ESPN for continuing to commit to me and I can't wait for the season to get started."  

Moreover, ESPN also said that they will add more programs with Jessica Mendoza that will help her boost her portfolio. They said that she will be appearing more regularly on "SportsCenter," "Get Up," "First Take," "Baseball Tonight," and other programs. She will also participate in the coverage of the 2020 Summer Olympics that are to be held in Tokyo, Japan.

Mendoza, who is popularly known as gold and silver Olympic medalist and a National Softball Hall of Famer, said: "I've always prioritized my growth, and these new opportunities will allow me to expand my broadcasting career while challenging me at the same time. From calling MLB games on television and radio, to extensive studio work and features, I'm excited about everything that lies ahead."

She will also continue on ESPN's weekday baseball broadcasts to provide commentary, work in the booth of ESPN's radio coverage of post-season games, and will have appearances on the network's studio shows.

Brodie Van Wagenen, The Mets General Manager, also released a statement through his social media account stating that he and the Mets organization "fully understand and support her need to fully invest her time in all the new platforms" at ESPN.

NBC News reports that Wagenen also said: "We have enjoyed our relationship with Jessica and appreciated all her contributions and insight over the past year. We have such respect and value for her baseball insight, and know her impact on the game of baseball is just beginning."

Mendoza started her career with ESPN since 2007 when she was hired as a college football sideline reporter and a softball analyst.

Norby Williamson, the executive vice president of ESPN, said: "We are proud that Jessica, one of our most talented and recognizable commentators, will continue blazing new trails with ESPN for several years to come. Jessica will maintain her leadership position within our MLB property calling games on television and radio, plus extensive studio work, as we continue to reimagine our overall MLB coverage offerings. We know Jessica will thrive in this expanded role filled with new high-profile assignments."