Former Phillies Ace Hamels Joins MLB Network’s 2026 Draft Coverage

Comcast Corporation-owned MLB Network is bolstering its broadcast team for the upcoming 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, adding local legend Cole Hamels to the analyst lineup. The 2008 World Series MVP will provide commentary during the event held in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, scheduled ahead of the league’s All-Star Game.

Hamels brings a decade of experience with the Phillies and a reputation for high-level pitching intelligence to the desk. The four-time All-Star was originally selected by Philadelphia with the 17th overall pick in the 2002 draft and retired from professional play in 2023. He has recently served as a part-time color commentator for NBC Sports Philadelphia. Network executives indicated he will offer specific insights on pitching prospects throughout the coverage.

The 2026 draft represents an expansion of television coverage for the event. The first 10 selections will air on NBC, marking the network’s first year broadcasting the draft, beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage will transition to MLB Network for the remainder of the event starting at pick No. 11, with the entire draft also streaming live on Peacock. Hamels joins host Greg Amsinger and analysts Mark DeRosa, Harold Reynolds, and Dan O’Dowd.

Shares of Comcast Corporation, the parent company of MLB Network and NBC, are currently trading at $23.41. The stock has a market capitalization of approximately $83.5 billion.

What to watch

• The 2026 MLB Draft broadcast schedule begins July 1 on NBC and transitions to MLB Network.
• Upcoming Comcast earnings reports to assess performance across its Media and Studios segments.

Source: original release