Anthony Rizzo is officially stepping into the broadcast booth.
The former Cubs and Yankees first baseman is joining NBC as the network reenters the national baseball scene in 2026. According to a report from Front Office Sports, Rizzo has been actively pursuing a post-playing media career, and now he’s landed a spot with one of the game’s biggest platforms.
Rizzo, now 36, has never shied away from the spotlight. He handled the pressure-cooker that is New York media with a smile, much like he did during his decade in Chicago, where he became the heart and soul of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series run.
Whether it was at the Cubs Convention earlier this month or during his playing days, Rizzo has always had a knack for connecting with fans-quick with a joke, sharp with his insights, and always genuine. That charisma should translate seamlessly to television.
While NBC hasn’t officially outlined Rizzo’s exact role, the network is reportedly assembling a trio of former stars that could include Rizzo, longtime Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and Reds icon Joey Votto. Kershaw is expected to work a limited schedule, while Votto-who spent 17 seasons in Cincinnati and remains one of the most thoughtful voices in the sport-is being touted as a natural fit for national TV.
One sports TV producer called Votto “a no-brainer,” citing his MVP credentials, name recognition, and comfort in front of the camera. Another source added that if NBC wants to make a statement with its Sunday Night Baseball coverage, Votto would be a perfect choice. Add Rizzo’s personality and Kershaw’s pedigree to that mix, and NBC could be building something special.
Whether Rizzo, Kershaw, and Votto are featured on the pregame show or rotate in as game analysts, the trio brings a fresh, player-driven perspective that fans will want to hear. These are guys who’ve been in the biggest moments, faced the toughest competition, and now have the chance to break it all down for a national audience.
NBC’s return to national baseball broadcasting marks its first time back in the game in over 25 years, and so far, they’re making all the right moves. There’s also buzz that NBC is targeting Jason Benetti as the lead play-by-play voice for Sunday Night Baseball-a move that would bring a sharp, engaging voice to pair with its new lineup of analysts.
Rizzo, meanwhile, isn’t done with Chicago. He’s expected to remain a visible presence around Wrigley Field as a Cubs ambassador. The team is planning a 10th anniversary celebration of the 2016 championship squad later this year, though a date hasn’t been finalized.
As for the Cubs on NBC’s schedule, they’re set to appear three times on Sunday Night Baseball: May 31 against the Cardinals in St. Louis, June 7 at home against the Giants, and August 30 against the Reds at Wrigley. There’s also a special July 5 showdown between the Cubs and Cardinals at Wrigley Field, which will air on Peacock as part of NBC’s “Star-Spangled Sunday” programming.
With Rizzo now part of NBC’s baseball team, fans can expect the same energy, insight, and authenticity he brought to the diamond-only now, he’ll be doing it with a mic instead of a glove.
