NBC rumored to add beloved former Cub as analyst after reviving MLB partnership ahead of 2026.
Cubs fans tuning into MLB games on NBC Sports can expect to see a familiar face in the booth this season.Former first baseman and Cubs ambassador Anthony Rizzo is set to be added to the NBC team as a lead MLB analyst,which also includes ESPN and Netflix.
NBC will also take over the Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, which previously aired on ESPN.Rizzo is adored by Cubs fans and helped break the 108-year curse. On that historic Wednesday night in Cleveland, the first baseman made the final out, pocketed the ball, and ran toward a celebration forever etched in Chicago’s memory. Plus, he was a strong on-field leader with consistent production. During his time in Chicago, Rizzo posted a slashline of .272/.372/.489, including an impressive .360/.484/.600 performance during the 2016 World Series.As a Yankee, Rizzo hit .234/.326/.409, and his career fielding percentage at first base was 99.5% over 14 seasons. Fans were surprised earlier this month when Rizzo wasn’t elected to the Cubs’ Hall of Fame alongside former teammate and fellow 2016 champion Jon Lester. However, the reasoning was quickly revealed – Rizzo hasn’t been retired long enough. The Chicago Cubs will announce tonight that Jon Lester will be elected into their Hall of Fame and Jody Davis is expected to join him. Anthony Rizzo has not been retired long enough to be eligible and was not included on this year’s ballot.Former athletes entering the broadcast and sports media industries have become increasingly common in recent years. Baseball fans know this well and are quite used to seeing David Ortiz mess with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez during the postseason. It’s not clear yet who may join Rizzo on the analysis team, and his contract has yet to be confirmed, but adding the 14-year MLB veteran is an interesting move by NBC as they re-enter their partnership with the league.Sarah Barber is a contributing writer for Cubs On SI. Previously, she covered a wide variety of sports for the Boston Globe, including the Boston Red Sox and their minor league affiliates. Barber has also spent time at The Sporting News, and recently received her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and English at Boston’s Northeastern University in 2024. Born and raised in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Barber is a fifth-generation Cubs fan and thrilled to live in the city after four years in New England.Cubs Emphasis on Outfield Depth Reflects Lack of Confidence in Top Prospect
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