NBC Adds Kershaw, Rizzo and Votto as New MLB Analysts

This article recaps NBC’s move to bring three recently retired MLB stars—Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto—into its broadcast booth as analysts for its return to Major League Baseball.

It outlines how they’ll shape pregame coverage on Sunday Night Baseball, contribute to NBC and Peacock’s wild-card round, and what this means for the network’s Opening Day rollout and overall broadcast strategy.

With Bob Costas leading the pregame show and Ahmed Fareed as a co-host, NBC seems ready to try a fresh, more veteran-informed approach to MLB television this season.

NBC’s New MLB Studio Team: Kershaw, Rizzo, and Votto

NBC’s lined up a trio of veterans to offer analysis, stories, and real talk from the batter’s box to the mound. Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto are set to appear on pregame segments for Sunday Night Baseball games, as long as their schedules allow.

They’ll also join pregame coverage during NBC and Peacock’s wild-card round, bringing their championship backgrounds to a bigger audience.

Sam Flood, NBC Sports executive producer, said the hires are meant to bring in fresh perspectives and let NBC experiment with new ideas that use the players’ insights. The network sees Opening Day as a testing ground for these concepts, hoping to draw fans into longer stories and deeper game conversations.

Clayton Kershaw: From Cy Young to Studio Insight

Clayton Kershaw, a three-time NL Cy Young winner, retired after helping the Dodgers win another World Series. His knack for timing, sequencing, and pitch tunneling gives him a unique view on how pitchers attack hitters and how teams build lineups.

As a pregame analyst, Kershaw plans to offer technical breakdowns, honest takes on preparation, and firsthand stories from deep postseason runs.

• World Series experience that translates to high-stakes game context
• First-hand knowledge of elite pitching and hitter adjustments
• Calm, analytical presence suited for long-form pregame storytelling

Fans can expect thoughtful takes on pitching plans, bullpen moves, and the mental side of playing at the highest level. Kershaw’s ability to break down mechanics in simple terms should make pregame conversations more interesting for anyone curious about the game’s details.

Anthony Rizzo and Joey Votto: Veteran Leadership and Locker-Room Insight

Anthony Rizzo and Joey Votto bring long, successful careers, leadership, and a hitter’s-eye view to NBC’s broadcasts. Rizzo retired last September after 14 seasons, a veteran of multiple Gold Glove campaigns who famously caught the final out of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series.

Votto, the 2010 NL MVP, finished a 17-season run with the Cincinnati Reds and retired in 2024. Their experience in pennant races, postseasons, and clubhouse life should translate into practical, player-focused analysis for fans who want more than just numbers.

Their presence shows NBC’s focus on situational awareness, plate discipline, and the back-and-forth between hitters and pitchers. Rizzo and Votto can share dugout stories, explain clutch moments, and help viewers feel the emotional side of a game—stuff you just don’t get from traditional play-by-play.

Opening Day and Schedule: How NBC Will Roll

NBC’s plan for the season includes a ceremonial and strategic rollout to maximize exposure across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. The network says it’ll debut new concepts on Opening Day and expand coverage through spring and summer.

Key Dates and Platforms

• Opening Day doubleheader on March 26
• Sunday Night Baseball coverage begins on Peacock and NBCSN on March 29
• NBC will air Sunday night games from May 31 through September 6

Bob Costas will host the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show. He brings his familiar voice and steady presence to kick off each telecast.

Ahmed Fareed joins as co-host, giving NBC’s studio show a shot of energy and accessibility. The new analyst trio, paired with Costas and Fareed, hints at a shift toward more layered storytelling and sharper game breakdowns.

We still don’t know who’ll call play-by-play or serve as game analysts. But with Kershaw, Rizzo, and Votto in the mix, it’s clear NBC wants to dig deeper into the game and maybe shake things up a bit.

As NBC and Peacock gear up for this big MLB broadcast relaunch, fans can look forward to a mix of classic play-by-play thrills and modern, stats-driven insights. The network’s betting on the credibility of Hall of Fame-level players who’ve been there and won it all, while also playing with new formats to hook both diehard fans and folks just tuning in.

 
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