NESN is gearing up for the 2026 Boston Red Sox season with an exciting new lineup of studio talent. Familiar faces like Jim Rice, Lenny DiNardo, Jonathan Papelbon, and Will Middlebrooks will continue to join Tom Caron in the studio, but they've got some intriguing new company.
Joining the team are Matt Barnes, Manny Delcarmen, Rich Hill, and JP Ricciardi. Rich Hill's addition is particularly noteworthy because he hasn't officially hung up his cleats yet.
Hill, along with former Red Sox closer Joe Kelly, is redefining what it means to step away from the game. On the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast, Kelly shared his perspective, saying that true retirement is for those who've worked until 65 or served in the military.
For baseball players, it's more about transitioning to new opportunities.
Hill echoed this sentiment on the same podcast, expressing his openness to staying connected to baseball in various roles. “I’m looking for open possibilities to stay in the game of baseball and be a contributory factor,” he said. “I enjoy the work aspect of whatever it might be that’s next."
It's almost poetic that Hill, who signed with the Red Sox nine times as a free agent, finds himself back in Boston in this new capacity. A Massachusetts native, staying local seems like a natural fit.
Delcarmen, another Massachusetts native and a 2007 World Series champion, adds to the local flavor. JP Ricciardi, hailing from Worcester, brings a wealth of experience from his time in the minor leagues and various executive roles with teams like the Blue Jays, Giants, and Mets.
Matt Barnes, originally from Connecticut, spent the majority of his career with the Red Sox before finishing his playing days with the Nationals in 2024. His deep connection to the team and region makes him a valuable addition to the NESN team.
With this blend of seasoned veterans and fresh perspectives, NESN is set to deliver engaging and insightful coverage for Red Sox fans this season.