Former Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto is stepping into a new role as an MLB analyst for NBC and Peacock for the 2026 season. He recently discussed this exciting transition on "The Jim Day Podcast."
Votto, alongside Anthony Rizzo and Clayton Kershaw, will lend his expertise as a pregame analyst for the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs. Fans can also catch him on select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, teaming up with hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed.
Reflecting on his decision to join NBC, Votto shared, "NBC was persistent. They showed genuine interest for months, maybe even half a year.
After dedicating around 25 years to baseball, I was unsure about my next steps. But my love for the sport remains strong."
Votto opened up about the pressures he faced during his playing days. "I put immense pressure on myself, always striving for the next achievement.
It was a relentless pursuit, which sometimes soured my relationship with the game. Injuries and unmet expectations added to the dissatisfaction.
Even though I had moments of joy, it was mostly about the next goal. After retiring, nothing could replicate that drive, and that's okay."
He continued, "NBC's interest reignited my passion. I love the sport in ways that might differ from the average fan. My deep experience and specific fandom are what I hope to share."
When asked about his duties at NBC, Votto admitted, "I don't know exactly what I'll be doing, and that's exciting. After taking a break from baseball, I realized what I truly love about it. My passion lies in the craft, and transitioning to media feels like the right path."
Dan Hoard, a well-known voice for the Bengals and Bearcats, expressed confidence in Votto's new venture, predicting he'll become one of the best baseball analysts ever.