Why it's trending
The sudden interest in Joey Votto is driven by two factors: his upcoming broadcast debut on NBC's Sunday Night Baseball (July 26, 2026), which marks his first major media role since retiring, and his recent revelation of a Mount Rushmore of hitters he played against, which included himself, sparking debates and media coverage.
Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, 42, is set to make his broadcast debut on NBC/Peacock's Sunday Night Baseball on July 26, 2026. He will appear on the pregame show with Bob Costas and provide 'Inside the Pitch' commentary during the game between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, according to The New York Times and the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Votto retired from baseball in August 2024 after a 17-year MLB career, all with the Reds, and a brief minor-league stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. He described feeling 'worn out' in his final seasons but said he felt a responsibility to finish his career. Now, he faces a new challenge: preparing for a broadcast role without a traditional scouting report, as he told The Athletic.
NBC Sports announced in February 2026 that Votto would join fellow recent retirees Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo as analysts for select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts and the wild-card round of the MLB playoffs. The Enquirer noted that Reds broadcaster Dan Hoard predicted Votto 'will be one of the best baseball analysts ever.'
Votto also generated headlines by revealing his personal Mount Rushmore of hitters he faced: Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Chipper Jones, and himself. The self-inclusion drew attention and criticism but underscored Votto's confidence and unique perspective, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Timeline
- Joey Votto Retires from Baseball
Votto retires after a 17-year MLB career and a brief minor-league stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. He cited being 'worn out' and playing hurt.
- NBC Sports Hires Votto as Analyst
NBC confirms Votto, along with Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo, will serve as analysts for select Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts and the wild-card round.
- Votto Reveals Mount Rushmore of Hitters
On MLB Network's 'MLB Now,' Votto names his Mount Rushmore of hitters he played against: Pujols, Cabrera, Jones, and himself.
- Votto's Broadcast Debut
Votto makes his debut on NBC/Peacock's Sunday Night Baseball pregame show and provides in-game commentary during Yankees-Phillies.
Questions people ask
When does Joey Votto make his broadcast debut?
Votto debuts on Sunday, July 26, 2026, on NBC/Peacock's Sunday Night Baseball coverage of Yankees vs. Phillies.
Who is on Joey Votto's Mount Rushmore of hitters?
Votto named Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Chipper Jones, and himself as the four hitters he most respected facing.
Join the conversation 0
Comments are reviewed before publishing.