Baseball legends are heading to television. Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto, and Anthony Rizzo join NBC Sports. They will be analysts for the 2026 MLB season. This news marks a significant shift for the game’s broadcast landscape. NBC begins its new MLB coverage in 2026. This includes Sunday Night Baseball. It also features the postseason.
Kershaw is a Dodgers icon. He won three Cy Young Awards. He also earned an MVP award. Votto spent 17 years with the Cincinnati Reds. He was a 2010 MVP. Rizzo helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series. He is a three-time All-Star. Together, these stars bring decades of experience. They bring a wealth of knowledge. Their insights will enrich broadcasts.
These new analysts will cover key MLB events. They will provide pregame analysis. This includes the MLB Postseason Wild Card Round. They will also appear on select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed will host these shows. NBC Sports is excited about these additions. They expect fresh perspectives.
Kershaw recently concluded his playing career. He retired after the 2025 season. He won his third World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw’s career stats are remarkable. He achieved a 223-96 record. His winning percentage is .699. He surpassed 3,000 career strikeouts. He was an 11-time All-Star. Three Cy Young Awards highlight his pitching dominance.
In fact, Kershaw will play one more time. He plans to compete in the World Baseball Classic. This event takes place in March. This marks his first WBC appearance. He withdrew in 2023 due to insurance issues.
Votto retired in August 2024. He played his entire career with the Reds. Rizzo retired in September 2025. He was a key player for the Cubs’ championship team. Their active playing careers ended recently. This ensures they offer current insights.
NBC’s expanded MLB coverage begins in 2026. The network is reuniting with MLB. This partnership revives a long broadcast history. NBC and Peacock will air many games. This includes Sunday Night Baseball. It also features the Wild Card Round. The 2026 season starts March 26.
This move represents a major editorial decision for NBC Sports. They are investing heavily in MLB programming. The network aims to capture a significant audience. The inclusion of these star players is a key strategy. This news is significant for baseball fans. It promises engaging pregame analysis. Viewers can expect sharp commentary. The focus will be on player insights. It will cover team strategies. The game’s evolution will also be discussed. This provides a new platform for baseball discussion. It’s a new chapter for these players. It’s also a new era for baseball broadcasting. Fans anticipate these fresh voices. This fresh talent will enhance the viewing experience. The integration of such celebrated athletes is a notable development. Therefore, the 2026 season looks very exciting. This news is a top item in sports news.
In conclusion, the transition from field to broadcast booth is complete. Kershaw, Votto, and Rizzo are now analysts. They will share their game knowledge. NBC Sports gains significant star power. The 2026 MLB season promises compelling television. It is a significant news event for the sport.
