Corey Kluber Joins ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ as Analyst
Corey Kluber will make his broadcast debut on NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball during the April 12 game. The Guardians visit the Atlanta Braves for NBC’s first telecast in the series.
Kluber is a two-time Cy Young winner. He made three All-Star teams before retiring in 2023.
Broadcast lineup and format
NBC is using a three-person booth for the game. Jason Benetti will handle play-by-play duties.
The network pairs a former player from each team with Benetti. Kluber represents the Guardians side. Former Braves outfielder Andruw Jones joins him.
Bob Costas will host the pregame show. CC Sabathia will contribute an “Inside the Pitch” segment during the game.
Kluber’s role and outlook
Kluber has worked as a pitching special assistant for the Cleveland Guardians since retiring. The team’s public relations department suggested him for the broadcast role.
He described broadcasting as a curiosity rather than a lifelong plan. Kluber told Filmogaz.com by phone on April 9 that he wants to stay involved in baseball.
What he will bring
His task is to offer inside-the-game perspective. He hopes to help viewers better understand on-field strategy and pitching nuances.
Having former players from each club should appeal to local fan bases. Kluber said the approach can reveal insights that national audiences might miss.
Learning and expectations
Kluber framed the opportunity as a learning experience. He said he plans to have fun and learn from the broadcast veterans.
He acknowledged he won’t be flawless on the first outing. Kluber expects to identify areas to improve after the debut.
Benetti’s role and preparation
Jason Benetti will guide the conversation in the booth. He views his job as stoking discussion and keeping the focus on game action.
Benetti has covered MLB and the NFL at Fox Sports. He also called games on ESPN and ESPN Radio earlier in his career.
He is in his third season as the Detroit Tigers’ play-by-play voice. He previously spent eight seasons as the Chicago White Sox announcer.
Benetti said his prep targets topics that create strong conversations about both teams. He does not feel the need to prove expertise on every detail.
What to watch
The April 12 broadcast will test NBC’s format with former players from each club in the booth. Fans can expect player-focused analysis and conversation-driven coverage.
Corey Kluber will appear on Sunday Night Baseball as an analyst for NBC’s April 12 telecast. The appearance could open new post-playing opportunities if it goes well.
