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Meet NBC's star-studded MLB broadcast lineup for 2026 season, from Jason Benetti to Clayton Kershaw originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Taking inspiration from "Sunday Night Football" and "Sunday Night Basketball", NBC is pulling out the big guns as it readies to broadcast MLB contests in 2026.
"Sunday Night Baseball" will serve as the network's biggest MLB offering, with "MLB Sunday Leadoff" -- a collection of MLB games held primarily in the Sunday afternoon slot -- taking on a complimentary role on Peacock, NBCSN and NBC.
NBC has found a winning formula with its football and basketball coverage, drawing millions of viewers with its distinctive mix of analysis and hijinks. It will hope to use that science to great effect when it transitions to baseball coverage in 2026. The network left no stone unturned in its effort to make waves on the broadcasting circuit, bringing in a handful of broadcasters and analysts, many of whom are luminaries in the sports and broadcasting worlds.
With that, here's what you need to know about NBC's MLB coverage in 2026, including the captivating cast of characters the broadcast corporation signed to lead its "Sunday Night Baseball" and "MLB Sunday Leadoff" programs.
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MLB on NBC analysts
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Clayton Kershaw
NBC enlisted one of baseball's finest-ever southpaws to spearhead its MLB debut, landing an agreement with Kershaw. The Dodgers lifer posted more than 3,000 strikeouts across 18 seasons in the bigs, capturing three Cy Young Awards, 11 All-Star appearances and the NL MVP in 2014.
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Joey Votto
Blessed with plate vision like few others in recent MLB history, Votto spent his entire 17-year career with the Reds. The Canadian first baseman was named NL MVP in 2010 and posted an OBP above .400 in eight separate seasons. He also proved one of the most charismatic superstars of his era, a trait that should serve him well in the broadcast booth.
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Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo rounds out the trio of former playing talent NBC recruited for its "Sunday Night Baseball" coverage. The former Cubs and Yankees standout claimed three All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves, one Silver Slugger and a World Series ring, helping lead Chicago to its first title in 108 years in 2016.
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MLB on NBC studio personalities
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Bob Costas
A veteran voice whose distinct tenor has soundtracked a great many MLB contests over the years, Costas is perhaps NBC's biggest catch. He'll serve in a more advisory role this time around, spurning the play-by-play chair in favor of handling hosting duties with "Sunday Night Baseball." Costas is expected to fill a variety of roles for NBC and could feature on NBC's pregame show, "MLB Sunday Leadoff." He's also expected to take on enterprise opportunities under NBC's banner.
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Ahmed Fareed
Fareed, too, will take his talents to baseball, giving "Sunday Night Leadoff" some additional star power. The three-time Emmy winner has lended services to NBC for basketball, hockey, horse racing, soccer and more. Now, he'll return to the diamond, a place he has shined on over the years.
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MLB on NBC play-by-play announcers
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Jason Benetti
Benetti has worn a number of hats across his glistening broadcasting career, coming to prominence while calling White Sox and Tigers games. He'll take his talents to the big time in 2025, barking out plays as the lead announcer for "Sunday Night Baseball." A broadcast veteran who has previously backed MLB and Olympic baseball contests aired on NBC, Benetti will lead NBC's broadcast crew throughout the year. He is expected to be joined by a rotating cast of characters in the booth.
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Matt Vasgersian
Vasgersian will lead the line for NBC's "Sunday Leadoff" coverage, serving as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for most MLB games held in the lead-up to "Sunday Night Baseball." Vasgersian's appearances will take place in the daylight. He's used to the task, having called "Sunday Leadoff" games for Peacock in 2023.
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