Retired baseball legends Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto, and Anthony Rizzo are set to join NBC Sports as MLB analysts, bringing their wealth of experience to the network’s coverage. Beginning with MLB’s 2026 season, this trio will offer expert analysis during the Wild Card round of the playoffs and on select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, marking a significant return of MLB to NBC and Peacock platforms.
Introducing the New MLB Analyst Team on NBC
Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto, and Anthony Rizzo, three of the sport’s most celebrated players, combine for 20 All-Star appearances and a rich legacy of accomplishments. Alongside NBC hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed, they will add insightful commentary as MLB coverage restarts on NBC. Their roles include pregame analysis for postseason play and participation in Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts during the regular season, sharing their perspectives drawn directly from years of professional experience.
Clayton Kershaw’s Career Highlights and Legacy
Kershaw concluded his illustrious professional career in 2025 after 18 seasons, finishing with his third World Series championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Recognized as one of the dominant pitchers of his time, he secured a career record of 223 wins to 96 losses, placing his winning percentage (.699) third highest in MLB history for pitchers with at least 100 decisions. The left-handed pitcher accumulated over 3,000 strikeouts and was an 11-time All-Star, capturing the Cy Young Award three times as well as the National League Most Valuable Player in 2014, a season highlighted by his no-hitter. Kershaw also led the National League in earned run average five times and took home pitching triumphs in wins and strikeouts on three occasions each. Beyond the field, his charitable contributions earned him the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012, one of MLB’s highest honors, in recognition of his community service efforts including establishing an orphanage in Africa alongside his wife, Ellen.
Joey Votto’s Impact and Career Achievements
Joey Votto spent 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, securing his place as one of the game’s premier first basemen. A six-time All-Star and the 2010 National League Most Valuable Player, Votto also earned a Gold Glove in 2011. Known for his disciplined approach at the plate, the Toronto native finished his career with a .294 batting average and 356 home runs, leading the league in on-base percentage on seven occasions. Votto’s patient batting style and power helped the Reds reach the playoffs four times. His engaging personality and numerous memorable interviews made him a fan favorite throughout his tenure in MLB.
Anthony Rizzo’s Notable Career and Off-Field Contributions
Anthony Rizzo, a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove recipient, is remembered especially for securing the final out of the 2016 World Series, which ended the Chicago Cubs’ 108-year championship drought. His stellar performance in that series included a .360 batting average, and he was honored with the Platinum Glove that year as the National League’s best defensive player. Over 14 seasons with teams including the Padres, Cubs, and Yankees, Rizzo hit 303 home runs and recorded at least 100 RBIs in four seasons. A Florida native and cancer survivor, Rizzo was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 for his philanthropic work through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which supports cancer research and families affected by the disease.
Details on NBC’s MLB Coverage Timeline and Features
MLB’s return to NBC will commence with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26, featuring the Pirates led by Paul Skenes against Juan Soto’s Mets, followed by the Dodgers defending their World Series title in a prime-time game against Ketel Marte and the Diamondbacks. The broadcast rights are part of a three-year agreement presenting games across NBC, NBCSN, and Peacock. Sunday Night Baseball will kickoff on March 29 with a matchup between the Mariners and Guardians, both first-place teams from the 2025 season.
Additional highlights include an 18-game Sunday Leadoff schedule starting May 3, with the Toronto Blue Jays visiting the Minnesota Twins, and a unique Star-Spangled Sunday on July 5, where all 15 MLB games will be broadcast nationally on Peacock and NBC. Fans can also expect a weekly Sunday whip-around show, a specialized Labor Day program, coverage of the MLB Draft, the All-Star Futures Game, as well as a variety of highlights, short-form content, and documentaries.
Spanish-speaking audiences will have Telemundo Deportes presenting all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games, with Universo televising the games that air on NBC, expanding access to diverse viewers.
The Significance of Veteran Players Transitioning to Broadcasting
The addition of Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto, and Anthony Rizzo as MLB analysts signals NBC’s commitment to delivering knowledgeable and authentic baseball coverage. Their firsthand experiences and achievements provide viewers with an in-depth understanding of the game’s nuances. As baseball fans eager for the 2026 season await, this expert analyst team is expected to deepen engagement and bring fresh insight into the sport’s strategic and emotional moments, enhancing the overall broadcast experience.
