Anthony Rizzo Reportedly Joining NBC as MLB Studio Analyst

According to the Sports Business Journal, NBC is hiring Anthony Rizzo as a lead MLB analyst for the upcoming season.

After retiring in September, Rizzo officially joined the Cubs as an ambassador, giving Cubs fans another lifelong memory as he spent a game at Wrigley Field in the bleachers. It was only a matter of time before he returned to the Cubs in some capacity, though his future role within the organization remains somewhat unclear.

Not all former players are meant for live TV, but Rizzo’s personality should fit right in. He was always having fun on the field and in the dugout, making himself a fan favorite across the league during his 14-year career.

One of those highlights came against fellow first baseman Freddie Freeman. Rizzo blew Freeman away with 61 mph of straight heat, recording the only strikeout of his pitching career.

It will be neat to see Rizzo stay around the game of baseball after retirement, something many former players are beginning to do. NBC is also hiring future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, another former great who will bring analysis to a game he succeeded in for such a long time.