{"id":2384,"date":"2026-03-12T18:40:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T18:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/?p=2384"},"modified":"2026-03-12T18:40:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T18:40:59","slug":"youre-about-to-see-a-whole-lot-more-of-eric-hosmer-on-tv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/sports-media\/youre-about-to-see-a-whole-lot-more-of-eric-hosmer-on-tv\/","title":{"rendered":"You&#8217;re About to See a Whole Lot More of Eric Hosmer on TV"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Eric Hosmer, the former Kansas City Royals star and 2015 World Series champion, is stepping into a prominent new role in baseball media. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Hosmer is joining <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">MLB Network<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> as a studio analyst, bringing his championship pedigree and on-field expertise to the national stage.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">This development marks an exciting chapter for the 36-year-old, who retired from <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/sports-media\/detroit-tigers-and-red-wings-have-a-brand-new-tv-home\/\" target=\"_self\">Major League Baseball<\/a> in February 2024 after a 13-year career. Hosmer&#8217;s playing days concluded following stints with the Royals (2011-2017), San Diego Padres (2018-2022), Boston Red Sox (2022), and Chicago Cubs (2023). He leaves the game with a career slash line of <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">.276\/.335\/.427<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">, along with 198 home runs, four American League Gold Glove awards at first base, a Silver Slugger honor in 2017, and the MVP award from the 2016 All-Star Game.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<h2>Hosmer&#8217;s MLB Network debut<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Eric Hosmer is on the squad now! \ud83e\udd1d<\/p>\n<p>The former World Series champion and 4x Gold Glove Award winner shares his excitement to join MLB Network as an analyst. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/y7Jid0Mf3U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/y7Jid0Mf3U<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/L1dvbU9aFm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/L1dvbU9aFm<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MLBNetwork\/status\/2032116555027189858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 12, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Hosmer&#8217;s most cherished memories remain tied to Kansas City, where he was drafted third overall in 2008 and emerged as one of the franchise&#8217;s all-time greats. He was a cornerstone of the Royals&#8217; resurgence, delivering clutch performances during their back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">In the 2015 World Series triumph over the New York Mets, Hosmer was among the most valuable contributors, showcasing his power, defense, and leadership. He still holds the Royals&#8217; all-time postseason record for RBIs with 29, a testament to his impact in high-stakes moments.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Beyond his Royals tenure, Hosmer&#8217;s career took him across the league after signing a lucrative deal with the Padres. Despite challenges in later years, including a release from Chicago in 2023, his legacy as a reliable left-handed hitter and elite defender endures.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">\u00a0His insight as a former player\u2014particularly his defensive acumen and knowledge of hitting mechanics\u2014positions him well for studio analysis, where he&#8217;ll break down games, players, and strategies for a national audience.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Adding to his busy 2026 schedule, Hosmer is also returning &#8220;home&#8221; in a different capacity. The Kansas City Royals announced that he will join their broadcast team as a color analyst for <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Royals.TV<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">, the club&#8217;s new streaming service offering in-market games without blackouts. He will rotate in the booth alongside play-by-play voices Ryan Lefebvre and Jake Eisenberg, sharing duties with analysts Rex Hudler and Jeremy Guthrie. His debut is set for March 13, 2026, during a Cactus League matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Hosmer expressed deep enthusiasm for the Royals opportunity, highlighting his enduring bond with the city and organization. &#8220;Our 2014 and 2015 run wasn\u2019t just a championship, but a city finding out what it was capable of,&#8221; <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/news\/eric-hosmer-joins-royals-tv-as-an-analyst\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">he said in a team release<\/a>. &#8220;That bond with this city doesn&#8217;t expire. I was 18 years old when this organization believed in me, and now I get to repay that belief from a different seat.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Royals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager J.J. Picollo praised the addition: &#8220;Hoz is a Royals legend and World Champion who connected with our fans on and off the field and we&#8217;re honored to have him back. All of us have been impressed with the energy and care he&#8217;s putting into this.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<h3>It runs in the family<\/h3>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">On a personal note, Hosmer&#8217;s move into media aligns with his family life. His wife, Kacie McDonnell, is a broadcaster as well, who most recently worked for FOX Nation, the streaming service of FOX News. The couple met in Kansas City, where Hosmer was with the Royals and McDonnell worked as a traffic reporter for KSHB-TV.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1x3r274 r-p1pxzi\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Hosmer&#8217;s dual roles\u2014one national with MLB Network and one deeply local with the Royals\u2014allow him to leverage his expertise across platforms. Fans nationwide will benefit from his perspective on MLB Network&#8217;s studio shows, while Royals supporters get an authentic voice who lived the franchise&#8217;s highs. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1x3r274 r-p1pxzi\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">As baseball enters the 2026 season, Hosmer&#8217;s journey from the diamond to the desk underscores a seamless evolution for one of the game&#8217;s respected figures. His story continues to inspire, proving that contributions to the sport can extend far beyond playing days.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eric Hosmer, the former Kansas City Royals star and 2015 World Series champion, is stepping into a prominent new role in baseball media. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Hosmer is joining MLB Network as a studio analyst, bringing his championship pedigree and on-field expertise to the national stage. This development marks an exciting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5665,"featured_media":2387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[270,264,238],"tags":[75],"class_list":["post-2384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb-network","category-news","category-sports-media","tag-featured"],"modified_by":"Steve Carney","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5665"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2384"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2389,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384\/revisions\/2389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}