NBC Targets Clayton Kershaw as Lead MLB Studio Analyst

Major League Baseball’s television landscape is about to change in a big way in 2025. One of the sport’s most decorated pitchers could soon become one of its most trusted voices.

NBC and Peacock are putting together their new MLB package. At the center of those plans? Retired Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw. His possible move into broadcasting has industry folks buzzing.

Clayton Kershaw Emerges as a Top NBC/Peacock Studio Target

The Athletic reports that NBC and Peacock have their sights set on Clayton Kershaw as a marquee studio analyst for their new Major League Baseball coverage. Nothing’s set in stone, but sources say the network sees the future Hall of Famer as a perfect fit.

Kershaw brings a deep understanding of the game and respect from pretty much everyone in baseball. NBC doesn’t want him in the studio every week, though.

Instead, they picture Kershaw making select appearances during big events. He’d jump in for major broadcasts, offering the kind of insight only a three-time Cy Young winner can provide.

A Hall of Fame Resume Meets the Broadcast Booth

Kershaw’s credentials are tough to match among recently retired players. He spent his whole career with the Dodgers, picked up an MVP, and basically set the standard for pitching excellence for over a decade.

For a network launching a new baseball product, that kind of credibility is a big deal. It gives the broadcast instant weight.

NBC’s New MLB Rights Begin a New Era

NBC is jumping back into Major League Baseball with a lot of inventory. The network now holds rights to Sunday Night Baseball and the first round of the MLB playoffs.

That positions NBC as a major player in national baseball coverage. On top of that, Peacock will exclusively stream a bunch of morning games.

It’s clear NBCUniversal wants to grow its digital sports footprint. That move is pretty interesting if you ask me.

Potential for Kershaw in the Broadcast Booth

Network execs are also curious about putting Kershaw in the booth for a game or two. His pitching perspective could give fans a rare, inside look at strategy, pitch sequencing, and how hitters think.

Play-by-Play Candidates Taking Shape

NBC and Peacock are still working out their on-air lineup. Jason Benetti is a strong candidate for the lead play-by-play job.

Benetti, who’s with Fox right now and used to call games for the White Sox, is in the last year of his contract. For him to call NBC’s March 26 opener between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, Fox would have to let him out early.

Another Familiar Voice in the Mix

Kevin Brown is also under consideration. He’s known for his work with the Orioles and ESPN.

Brown’s got a rising profile and a modern style that fits NBC’s apparent push for a mix of tradition and fresh energy.

A Hybrid Broadcast Model May Continue

Sources say NBC might keep up the trend of pairing local analysts with a national play-by-play announcer for certain games. That approach mixes hometown expertise with big-picture storytelling.

Kershaw would fit right into that model, whether he’s in the studio or stepping into the booth for a special assignment.

Baseball Broadcasting Is Getting Crowded

NBC isn’t the only one rethinking MLB coverage. Netflix is jumping in this season, offering a small but buzzy lineup that includes:

Legendary players like Clayton Kershaw might just help connect the game’s storied history with its streaming-heavy future. Things are changing fast—it’s honestly a little wild to watch.

This report was authored by Andrew Marchand, senior sports media columnist for The Athletic.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Clayton Kershaw is top studio target for NBC’s MLB coverage: Sources