NBC is building its return to Major League Baseball coverage around star power, and the network has landed one of the game’s most popular figures to anchor its studio broadcasts. Anthony Rizzo, the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series champion who retired at the end of the 2024 season, is set to join NBC as one of its lead MLB analysts, according to Austin Karp of the Sports Business Journal.
Chicago Cubs World Series Champion, New York Yankee Star Anthony Rizzo Expected to Join NBC’s MLB Coverage
Rizzo spent 14 years in the big leagues, with his legacy cemented by catching the final out of the 2016 World Series that ended the Chicago Cubs’ 108-year championship drought. The three-time All-Star accumulated four Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger, and the Roberto Clemente Award across a career split primarily between Chicago (10 seasons) and the Yankees (three seasons).
The former first baseman announced his retirement in Sept. 2025 and immediately transitioned into an ambassador role with the Cubs. Now he’s heading to the broadcast booth, where NBC is betting his combination of championship credentials and fan appeal will connect with viewers. Sports Business Journal noted Rizzo often ranked among the most-followed players on the MLB app and MLB.com, and was among the leaders in jersey sales during his playing days.
NBC Building Analyst Roster With Championship Pedigree
NBC is also close to finalizing a deal with Clayton Kershaw to serve as an analyst, per the SBJ.
Both Rizzo and Excel Sports Management, which represents the former Cubs star, declined to comment. NBC Sports also declined to comment on the possible hirings, according to the SBJ.
Jason Benetti remains the front-runner for the network’s primary play-by-play role, but his current contract with Fox runs into the summer, complicating the timeline for any official announcement.
NBC’s MLB Package Includes Sunday Night Baseball, Peacock Streaming
NBC’s three-year deal with Major League Baseball covers the 2026-2028 seasons and marks the network’s first regular MLB broadcasts since 2000. The package includes Sunday Night Baseball in primetime, Opening Day coverage, Labor Day games, and the entire Wild Card round of the postseason.
Peacock will stream 18 Sunday morning and early afternoon games throughout the season, a package previously carried by Roku. The streaming service will also feature daily out-of-market games.
NBC’s return to baseball comes as the network assembles a broadcast team built around recognizable names and proven winners. Hypothetically, with Rizzo leading studio coverage and Kershaw contributing limited analysis, the network is leaning heavily on players who recently competed at the highest level—and won championships while doing it.
Report: NBC Expected to Hire World Series Champion Anthony Rizzo