ESPN/Mets advisor Jessica Mendoza didn’t help herself Thursday by blaming the main whistleblower in the Astros cheating scandal, but it won’t be the reason she could lose her spot on “Sunday Night Baseball” game broadcasts.

All offseason, ESPN has contemplated how it should construct its Sunday night booth with one consistent thought — it will be orbited around Alex Rodriguez.

They have discussed different combinations and there is still a possibility they could just stick with A-Rod, Mendoza and play-by-player Matt Vasgersian for this season.

But, The Post has learned, an intriguing option has emerged — YES Network’s David Cone. ESPN and Cone have been in discussions about potential roles, including SNB, sources said.

ESPN executives and A-Rod liked how Rodriguez worked with Cone and Michael Kay during a five-inning stint on YES last year.

There is also a feeling that the booth would be better served if it had a former pitcher and a hitter in it. Mendoza was an Olympic gold medalist outfielder in softball.

Besides SNB, ESPN has holes to fill in its lineup after David Ross left to be the Cubs manager and Ryan Howard chose not to return in his small role. Meanwhile, Eduardo Perez is again a Mets manager candidate.

The Post has previously reported that Curtis Granderson is on ESPN’s radar. CC Sabathia is someone else whom ESPN has interest in, though The Post reported he is going to be a special advisor to Yankees GM Brian Cashman and may work some YES games.

If Mendoza is replaced, ESPN executives stressed it will not be because of her comments on TV Thursday in which, among other things, she said it was “tough to swallow” that former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers spoke to The Athletic for its initial story that sparked MLB’s investigation.

On Thursday, Mendoza sent out a Twitter message after Thursday’s uproar to try to clarify her remarks on “Golic & Wingo” and “First Take.”

ESPN declined official comment for this story.

While Mendoza’s status on Sunday night will be decided soon, ESPN is still very high on her. That is why if she is removed from SNB, it is expected she will continue to have a very high-profile position on ESPN’s air.

She could be part of a weekday game broadcast crew or expand her presence in the studio.

Earlier in the offseason, sources told The Post that it was 70-30 ESPN would keep its SNB booth fully intact.

As spring training approached, it felt as if the status quo had moved up the meter, but it has continuously failed to reach 100 percent, leaving the door ajar for Cone or another analyst.

ESPN is still trying to manage Mendoza’s dual role on its air and as a special advisor to Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen. In many cases, the special advisor roles are more an extension of a former player’s longtime position with a franchise.

With Mendoza, she had no prior history with the Mets, making her job appear from the outside as more of a real one than others. It has made for some uncomfortable moments. The Post first reported in October that the Dodgers would not allow her full clubhouse access because of her work with the Mets. At times, she has been hesitant to talk about the Mets on-air.

Cone is one of the best analysts in baseball. If ESPN were to offer him Sunday nights, sources said YES still would want to retain him. Cone has one year left on his YES deal.

What Cone, 57, could bring to the SNB booth is a deep knowledge of the game, a use of sabermetrics and a looseness on-air, which could challenge A-Rod and perhaps minimize the overproduction of the telecast.

Rodriguez is a bit too scripted on the broadcasts as he doesn’t trust his instincts enough. A-Rod has been better in Fox’s studio, which is a superior environment for a set plan.

This week, the decision on Mendoza has become front and center. She is a very good story, having broken through to be the first major woman TV baseball analyst. ESPN thinks the world of her, but it might make a change anyway.

She is in the midst of a multi-year contract while A-Rod and Vasgersian are entering their walk years. Cone is an intriguing option. There could be others. ESPN is facing decision time.