NBC Sports has announced that Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto will join its team as studio analysts for Major League Baseball beginning in 2026. This move coincides with NBC’s return to broadcasting MLB games, and these recently retired stars bring nearly five decades of combined professional baseball experience to the network’s coverage.
The announcement was made during the Super Bowl pregame show, underscoring NBC’s dedication to its renewed baseball partnership. The three former players will appear on pregame shows ahead of Sunday Night Baseball games and offer expert analysis during NBC’s exclusive Wild Card broadcasts.
Celebrated Champions Added to NBC’s Analyst Lineup
Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto each bring impressive resumes and fan followings to NBC’s broadcast team. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, retired after a remarkable 18-year career highlighted by leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to their third World Series title in six seasons. His dominance on the mound and postseason prowess established him as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in history.
Anthony Rizzo is known for his clutch performances, including catching the final out of the 2016 World Series that broke the Chicago Cubs’ 108-year championship drought. Across 14 seasons, Rizzo earned four Gold Glove Awards and three All-Star nods, creating memorable moments for fans in both Chicago and New York.
Joey Votto, the 2010 National League MVP, spent his entire 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. Renowned for his superb plate discipline and analytical approach to hitting, Votto’s deep baseball intellect is expected to bring a thoughtful angle to NBC’s MLB coverage.
Innovative Coverage to Highlight Unique Analyst Insights
Sam Flood, NBC Sports executive producer, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions to the network’s baseball broadcast team.
We’re excited to welcome Clayton, Anthony and Joey, three stars right off the field who can provide fresh perspective on the players, teams, and everything that makes baseball special.
NBC plans to introduce fresh concepts designed to highlight the distinct expertise of each analyst, aiming to set its coverage apart from other baseball broadcasts that often feature retired players who have been away from the game for years.
Upcoming Broadcast Schedule and Viewer Expectations
NBC’s MLB coverage will officially resume on March 26 with an Opening Day doubleheader. The afternoon game will feature reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates facing off against Juan Soto’s New York Mets. The evening primetime game will showcase the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The new Sunday Night Baseball series will launch on Peacock and NBCSN on March 29, with NBC’s first broadcast scheduled for April 12. The network will present Sunday night games from May 31 through September 6, maintaining a significant presence through most of the regular season.
Significance of NBC’s Baseball Return with Trusted Voices
Bringing Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto into the broadcast booth signals NBC’s commitment to connecting baseball fans with analysts who understand the game at its highest level. Their presence is poised to bridge generations of viewers by providing trusted, authentic, and passionate insights into the sport they excelled at.
As longtime champions and respected figures in the baseball community, this trio will enhance NBC’s coverage with their firsthand experience, helping fans deepen their appreciation for the intricacies and excitement of Major League Baseball.
