Ex-Toronto Blue Jays infielder lands MLB analyst gig with NBC Sports
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/bluejays
Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Joey Votto is set to begin a new chapter in his baseball career, joining NBC Sports as a pregame studio analyst for the MLB postseason in 2026.
NBC Sports confirmed that the longtime Cincinnati Reds star will be part of its broadcast team as Major League Baseball returns to NBC and Peacock.
Joey Votto will work alongside fellow MLB standouts Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo, offering analysis and insight throughout the postseason.
Some BIG names have joined our NBC Sports pregame coverage for the MLB Postseason Wild Card round on NBC and Peacock. ⚾
Welcome to the team Anthony Rizzo, Clayton Kershaw, and Joey Votto!
Welcome to the team Anthony Rizzo, Clayton Kershaw, and Joey Votto!
Votto's baseball IQ, humor and personality will go a long way in broadcasting
Votto is scheduled to serve as a pregame analyst during the Wild Card round this fall and will also make select appearances on Sunday Night Baseball during the regular season, joining hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed.
If he fully embraces the role, Votto has the potential to become one of baseball’s premier on-air personalities.
Known for his intelligence, humor, and approachability, he brings a rare balance of respect for baseball’s traditions and a deep understanding of the modern, analytics-driven game.
Votto retired from professional baseball in 2024 after a remarkable 17-season MLB career. He earned six All-Star selections, won a Gold Glove, and captured the National League MVP award in 2010.
After spending his entire major-league career with the Cincinnati Reds, the Etobicoke native signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays in 2024, hoping to play for his hometown team.
However, he never appeared in a regular-season major-league game for Toronto.
In his lone spring training at-bat with the Blue Jays on March 17, 2024, Votto homered off Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
Joey Votto goes yard on the first pitch he sees as a Toronto Blue Jay. 🔥(🎥:@BlueJays)
Later that same game, he stepped on a bat in the dugout, an accident that sidelined him for three months.
He appeared in 15 games with Triple-A Buffalo that season, hitting .143 with one home run and four runs batted in before ultimately deciding to retire.
Votto announced his decision in an Instagram video shortly thereafter.
“That’s it. I’m done,” he said. “I am officially retiring from baseball.”
In a heartfelt message accompanying the post, he reflected on his attempt to play in Toronto.
“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m just not good anymore,” Votto wrote, thanking his parents, brother, teammates, and coaches. “Thank you for all the support during my attempt.”
Votto represented Canada at the World Baseball Classic in 2009 and 2013 and was named Canadian Athlete of the Year in both 2010 and 2017, winning the Lou Marsh Trophy—now known as the Northern Star Award.
Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft, Votto finished his playing career with a .294 batting average, 356 home runs, and 1,444 RBIs across 2,056 games.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 8|93 ANSWERS Ex-Toronto Blue Jays infielder lands MLB analyst gig with NBC Sports Do you think Joey Votto will make a good MLB analyst/broadcaster? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 55.9 % |
| No | 17 | 18.3 % |
| Too early to tell | 24 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||