"Did MLB pay Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce?" - Twins insider speculates NFL-like tactics to boost viewership in baseball
During the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians matchup on Monday night, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were in attendance and were seen on the broadcast. Later, TBS used Swift's song Welcome to New York as well.
Swift is routinely seen at NFL games and is shown on the broadcast frequently. When Kelce does something on the field, fans at home get her reaction. It has, simply put, driven up NFL viewership significantly.
Former Minnesota Twins player and analyst Trevor Plouffe said on the Baseball Today podcast with Chris Rose (1:40-2:45):
"This was interesting to me. I know he's from Cleveland, I understand that. He should be rooting for the Guardians. Did Major League Baseball pay those two to go there? They've seen what Taylor Swift has done for the NFL."
Plouffe said that it wasn't a bad decision if that's what the league had done, but he wonders how legitimate their appearance was. However, as the Kansas City Chiefs weren't playing this week, Kelce and Swift went to the game.
Swift has a home in New York, while Kelce is a Guardians fan, so their appearance isn't unexpected. As for the broadcast appearance, Swift has said of her NFL appearances that she's just there to watch and support and has no control over the cameras. The same is true at any MLB games she attends.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift saw a decisive Yankees win
Travis Kelce threw out a first pitch for the Cleveland Guardians this year. He also did some baseball work with Aaron Judge, who praised the tight end's swing, but he's from Cleveland and is a fan of the team. It's unclear what Taylor Swift's MLB fandom is.
Nevertheless, the power couple were treated to an entertaining but decisive win for the New York Yankees. Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton hit home runs as the Yankees wreaked havoc with walks and wild pitches.
Luke Weaver recorded another five-out save with the tying run at the plate for some excitement, but the Yankees secured a 5-2 win to open the ALCS. With the Chiefs not playing until next Sunday, it's possible that he and Swift could return for Game 2 on Tuesday night.