What's Happening?
NBC Sports has confirmed that Joey Votto, a former Cincinnati Reds player, will join Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo as analysts for Major League Baseball (MLB) coverage. This announcement comes as MLB returns
to NBC and Peacock for the 2026 season. The trio will serve as pregame analysts for the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs and will also appear on select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts during the regular season. They will be joined by hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed. The decision to include Votto in the lineup was reported earlier by Front Office Sports, which noted that Votto was finalizing a deal with NBC Sports. Dan Hoard, a radio play-by-play announcer, expressed his belief that Votto will excel in this new role, describing him as smart, funny, and unique.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Joey Votto as an analyst for NBC Sports' MLB coverage is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a strategic move by NBC to enhance its sports broadcasting lineup with well-known and respected former players, potentially attracting a larger audience. Votto's reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging figure in baseball could draw in fans who appreciate insightful commentary. Additionally, this move underscores NBC's commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality sports coverage as MLB returns to its network. For Votto, this role represents a new chapter in his career, allowing him to leverage his experience and insights in a different capacity, potentially influencing how baseball is analyzed and discussed on television.
What's Next?
As the MLB season progresses, viewers can expect to see Joey Votto, along with Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo, providing analysis during key games, particularly in the Wild Card round and select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts. Their presence is likely to bring a fresh perspective to the coverage, potentially setting a new standard for sports analysis. NBC Sports may also continue to expand its roster of analysts, further enhancing its sports programming. The reception of Votto's analysis by audiences and critics will be closely watched, as it could influence future decisions regarding sports broadcasting talent.
