NBC Sports is bringing three of baseball’s most respected recently retired stars — Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto — into its MLB broadcast lineup, giving New York fans a new trio of voices as the sport returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026.
The three will serve as pregame analysts for NBC’s exclusive coverage of all MLB Wild Card games, and will also appear on select Sunday Night Baseball pregame shows throughout the regular season. They’ll work alongside Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed, two familiar names to New York baseball viewers.
NBC Sports production chief Sam Flood said the network is eager to showcase “fresh perspective” from three players who were competing at the highest level just months ago.
A Familiar Face for Yankees Fans: Anthony Rizzo Joins the Booth
For New York audiences, the biggest headline is the addition of Anthony Rizzo, the former Yankees first baseman who became one of the clubhouse’s most respected leaders during his Bronx tenure.
Rizzo’s résumé includes:
- Three All‑Star selections
- Four Gold Gloves
- 2016 World Series champion with the Cubs
- 303 career home runs
- Four 100‑RBI seasons
He also earned the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award for his foundation’s work supporting cancer patients and families — a story that resonated deeply with Yankees fans during his time in pinstripes.
Rizzo’s presence gives NBC Sports a direct connection to the New York market, where his insights on AL East battles, Yankee Stadium dynamics, and the expectations of playing in the Bronx will carry weight.
Clayton Kershaw Brings Hall‑of‑Fame Credentials
Clayton Kershaw arrives with one of the most decorated pitching careers in MLB history. The longtime Dodgers ace retired after winning his third World Series title in 2025.
His career numbers include:
- 223–96 record (.699 winning percentage)
- 3,000+ strikeouts
- 11 All‑Star appearances
- Three Cy Young Awards
- 2014 NL MVP
- Five ERA titles
Kershaw’s analytical mind and reputation for preparation make him a natural fit for national broadcasts — and his perspective on facing New York lineups over the years will be a compelling angle for Mets and Yankees fans alike.
Joey Votto Adds Personality, Humor, and Sharp Baseball IQ
Joey Votto, one of the most thoughtful and entertaining players of his era, rounds out the new analyst team. The longtime Reds star brings:
- Six All‑Star selections
- 2010 NL MVP
- 356 career home runs
- Seven OBP titles
- A reputation for memorable interviews and mic’d‑up moments
Votto’s blend of humor, candor, and deep hitting knowledge should resonate with New York fans who appreciate personality-driven baseball coverage.
NBC’s New MLB Package Puts New York in the Spotlight
NBCUniversal’s new three‑year MLB rights deal ensures that New York baseball will be front and center.
Coverage begins Thursday, March 26, with a marquee matchup:
- Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Juan Soto and the New York Mets (1 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock)
Later that night, NBC airs the Dodgers’ banner‑raising ceremony followed by Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks in primetime.
The package includes:
- Sunday Night Baseball in primetime
- Peacock-exclusive MLB Sunday Leadoff
- A Sunday afternoon whip‑around show
- A new Labor Day primetime game
- Every Wild Card game of the Postseason
With Rizzo, Kershaw, and Votto joining the broadcast team, New York fans will get a fresh mix of insight, personality, and star power as MLB returns to NBC for the first time in decades.
