Major League Baseball is about to get a fresh voice in the broadcast booth, and it’s someone fans already know and love. Former MLB star Anthony Rizzo is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time as one of NBC Sports’ lead MLB analysts for the upcoming season, according to sources close to the situation. But here’s where it gets interesting: Rizzo, who retired at the end of last season and transitioned into an ambassador role with the Cubs, isn’t just any ex-player—he was a fan favorite, consistently ranking among the most-followed athletes on the MLB app and MLB.com, and his jersey sales were through the roof. So, what does this mean for NBC’s coverage? And this is the part most people miss: Rizzo’s charisma and deep understanding of the game could bring a unique, player-centric perspective to the broadcast, making complex plays and strategies more accessible to casual viewers.
NBC isn’t stopping there. The network is also reportedly close to signing Clayton Kershaw as an analyst, though sources indicate his role would be limited to just a few weeks, occasionally teaming up with broadcasting legend Bob Costas. But here’s the controversial part: Is Kershaw’s limited involvement a missed opportunity, or a smart move to keep the focus on Rizzo’s fresh voice? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Both NBC and Rizzo’s representation at Excel Sports have remained tight-lipped about the deal, but the move comes as NBC re-enters its first season with MLB rights as part of a three-year agreement. This deal includes high-profile games like Sunday Night Baseball, Opening Day, Labor Day, the Wild Card round, and Sunday morning/early afternoon games on Peacock—a package previously held by Roku. Speaking of broadcasters, sources suggest Jason Benetti is still the top contender for the regular NBC MLB play-by-play role, though his contract with Fox extends into the summer, which could complicate things.
So, here’s the big question: Can Rizzo’s on-field brilliance translate to broadcasting gold? His popularity and insight suggest yes, but only time will tell. What’s certain is that NBC is betting big on Rizzo to help them stand out in a crowded sports media landscape. What do you think—is this a home run hire, or will it strike out? Share your thoughts below!
