Clayton Kershaw, one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, may be stepping off the mound, but not necessarily out of the spotlight. According to reports, the future Hall of Famer is already being eyed for a potential post-retirement move into MLB broadcasting, with NBC and Peacock reportedly interested in bringing him aboard as a baseball analyst for the 2026 season.
NBC Returns to MLB Baseball After a 25-Year Hiatus
While no official role has been confirmed, the timing couldn’t be more fitting. NBC is re-entering the baseball arena in a major way, securing a broadcasting deal that includes Sunday Night Baseball and the first round of the playoffs, content that ESPN had long held. This marks NBC’s first significant return to MLB since the 1999 World Series, and the network seems poised to make a splash with both its coverage and its on-air talent.
Kershaw’s Next Chapter May Be in the Booth
The 37-year-old left-hander spent his entire 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning three Cy Young Awards and solidifying his legacy as one of the most consistent and feared pitchers of the 21st century. His retirement following the 2025 season closes one chapter, but the prospect of him joining a broadcast team opens another, one that could see him translating his deep knowledge of the game into sharp, insightful commentary.
If the deal goes through, this would be Kershaw’s first official role in sports media. His potential transition follows a growing trend of former athletes stepping into analyst positions, some with success, others still finding their voice. But Kershaw’s reputation as a cerebral player and quiet leader could make him a natural fit for television, particularly during a season where NBC and Peacock are trying to recapture national attention and inject fresh perspective into baseball coverage.
A Shifting Media Landscape for America’s Pastime
With MLB also handing broadcast rights to Netflix, which will air high-profile events like Opening Day prime time, the MLB Home Run Derby, and the “Field of Dreams” game, and with ESPN shifting its focus to weeknight games, the media landscape around baseball is undergoing a transformation. Adding a figure like Kershaw to the mix wouldn’t just lend credibility to NBC’s new venture; it would remind fans that legends don’t just retire, sometimes, they just change positions.
