As the second half of the 2026 Major League Baseball season barrels towards the playoffs, we’re not that far away from finding out who will do their part to try and stop the Los Angeles Dodgers from winning yet another World Series. Before that happens, we asked you to help determine which local MLB announcing crew would take home the title of your favorite for the 2026 season.
We asked Awful Announcing readers to evaluate every local TV broadcast crew for all 30 MLB teams, assign each a grade from A to F, and share comments. The results, based on more than 85,000 individual votes from more than 9,300 respondents, are below.
If you’ve seen our previous rankings from 2023, 2024, and 2025, you’ll probably recognize many familiar faces and broadcasting teams at the top of the rankings (and the bottom).
The average grade across all 30 broadcasting teams was 2.25, down from last year (2.39) and the year before it (2.42). So apparently people’s sentiments towards these announcers and broadcast crews are heading in the wrong direction.
The rankings are listed below, from No. 30 to No. 1. Each entry lists the team, its primary play-by-play announcer, primary analyst(s), notable substitute announcers, and game reporters.
Without further ado, here are your 2026 Awful Announcing local MLB announcer rankings!
30. Athletics (Jenny Cavnar, Chris Caray, Dallas Braden, Shooty Babitt, Steve Sax): 1.31
Credit: NBC Sports California
Most common grade: F (31.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 43.1%
2025 Ranking: 30th
Alas, you probably knew the Athletics broadcasting team would end up back here once again. Their overall score did tick up slightly, though we’re giving them faint praise. Lead play-by-play voice Jenny Cavnar received the bulk of the criticism, with unhappy fans calling her “not good” and saying her broadcast timing was “unnatural.” Of course, you always have to throw in the caveat that it’s unclear how much of the disdain she receives is just because she’s a woman and because this is the internet. Meanwhile, Dallas Braden’s persona splits our graders. While some viewers enjoy Braden’s passion, others complain about his schtick, where he “just yells and spouts nonsense.” Some graders voiced nostalgia for previous broadcasting eras, noting they “miss Ray Fosse even more hearing this crew.”
“Jenny is over-hated because her voice isn’t naturally announcer-esque, but she puts great effort into it,” said one grader.
29. Colorado Rockies (Drew Goodman, Jeff Huson, Ryan Spilborghs, Cory Sullivan, Marc Stout, Kelsey Wingert): 1.71
Credit: Rockies.tv
Most common grade: C (38.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 60%
2025 Ranking: 29th
The Rockies repeat as well, returning to the next-to-last spot in our rankings for another year. Many graders felt the broadcast tries too hard to cover for a struggling franchise. Viewers criticize the booth’s “forced positivity,” describing telecasts as “poor attempts at being entertaining to make up for their team.” While longtime voice Drew Goodman got kudos for being a professional, there was a sense that his presentation “lacks spark.” His iconic “Take a good look; you won’t see it for long” call had fans (“it slaps”) and detractors (“overdone”). Some viewers offered mild praise to the main crew, calling them a “solid, middle-of-the-road crew with good stories from the 2007 era.” Ryan “Spilly’ Spilborghs did receive a lot of praise for providing “engaging commentary and good analysis,” and he was considered “underrated.” Sideline reporter Kelsey Wingert also received several positive comments for her baseball knowledge.
28. Washington Nationals (Dan Kolko, Kevin Frandsen, Ryan Zimmerman, Alex Avila, Michael Morse, Alexa Datt): 1.72
Credit: Nationals.tv
Most common grade: C (42.2% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 63.1%
2025 Ranking: 26th
Washington’s overhauled television booth struggles to gain traction with the local fanbase after Bob Carpenter’s departure. Lead announcer Dan Kolko faces significant criticism, with some graders wondering if he’s the guy for the long term. Fans complain that Kolko and analyst Kevin Frandsen “sound like they are doing a podcast instead of calling a game,” frequently getting sidetracked during game action. While some graders extended grace because it is their first season together, many felt that the broadcast lacks rhythm and analytical substance. Some even went so far as to say they mute the TV and listen to the radio call with Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. Still, given how new the booth is, there’s an opportunity to grow and improve.
27. Texas Rangers (Dave Raymond, Jared Sandler, Mike Bacsik, David Murphy, Laura Stickells, Emily Jones): 1.77
Credit: Rangers Sports Network
Most common grade: C (47.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 67.1%
2025 Ranking: 24th
Despite a slightly higher percentage of A/B/C grades, the Rangers broadcast’s overall grade dropped, and they slipped a few spots in the rankings. Graders cited a lack of broadcast energy and technical miscalls as the reasons for their displeasure. Disappointed viewers characterize the group as “boring” and “without much identity,” noting that recent changes to the booth haven’t improved the chemistry. Lead voice Dave Raymond drew criticism for his depth perception on fly balls, with one saying, “Dave Raymond can’t tell if a ball is ever a HR or not and constantly is behind on calls.” Analyst Mike Bacsik also received feedback from fans seeking deeper and more modern analysis.
“Watching a Rangers game is like watching the 2002 film Whale Rider,” wrote one viewer. “It might technically be a good production, but holy cow, it is incredibly, incredibly boring.”
26. Miami Marlins: (Kyle Sielaff, Craig Minervini, Tommy Hutton, Jeff Nelson, Gaby Sánchez, Kelly Saco, Jeremy Taché, Craig Mish): 1.79
Credit: MLB.tv
Most common grade: C (44.9% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 66.4%
2025 Ranking: 28th
The Marlins broadcast ended up with the exact same average grade as last year but moved up a few spots in the rankings. Go figure. Miami’s broadcast team garnered heavy criticism from fans who felt the product lacks “polish” and “charisma.” Viewers voice disappointment with the commentary team, with one blunt comment calling them “the worst broadcasting group in all of MLB—pretentious and annoying.” While veteran analyst Tommy Hutton (in his final season) provides “occasional sparks of honest passion,” the rest of the crew struggles to “engage the audience.” Graders complained that the telecast sometimes feels like sports marketing rather than an authentic broadcast. Sielaff received mixed feedback, with some appreciating his calls and youthful passion while others want Paul Severino back. More than anything, there’s a sense that “they gotta find Sielaff a consistent partner.”
25. Kansas City Royals (Ryan Lefebvre, Jake Eisenberg, Rex Hudler, Jeff Montgomery, Jeremy Guthrie, Eric Hosmer, Bridget Howard, Joel Goldberg): 1.84
Most common grade: C (41.7% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 67.2%
2025 Ranking: 21st
The Royals broadcast took a step back in both average grade and ranking this season. Kansas City fans generally rated their television booth as average, with opinion heavily divided over, you guessed it: Rex Hudler. Lefebvre is respected as a “dependable game caller,” though critics occasionally describe him as “boring.” Secondary voice Eisenberg garnered some praise as a “very solid, future star who knows when to ‘let the broadcast breathe.” Hudler’s high-energy persona creates a sharp split amongst graders. Some fans find his “wild energy” endearing, while critics argue that he “brings this grade down” with an “insufferable,” “over-the-top schtick.”
Additionally, some viewers feel there are “too many cooks in the kitchen” due to a large, rotating cast of secondary analysts. Sideline reporter Howard is noted as a “promising” addition who is still finding her own voice. Overall, one’s tolerance for Hudler appears to be the deciding factor in how one appreciates these broadcasts.
“Eric Hosmer has been an incredible addition to the team, adding new stories while also diving much deeper into the strategy and player mindset of the game than what’s been the norm for years,” wrote one grader. “Rex Hudler is still a lovable Kansas City treasure, but the Hosmer/Hudler contrast has been a welcome change of pace for KC.”
24. Houston Astros (Todd Kalas, Kevin Eschenfelder, Geoff Blum, Jeff Bagwell, Julia Morales): 1.89
Credit: SCHN
Most common grade: C (35.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 66.9%
2025 Ranking: 18th
Another broadcast that took a step back in terms of grades and rankings this season, the Astros received middle-of-the-pack marks from fans who praised the analytical depth but had mixed feedback on execution. Blum and Morales earned consistent praise, with viewers noting that “Esch, Blum, and Morales are excellent” at capturing dugout dynamics. However, lead voice Kalas saw divided feedback, with some admiring his “solid” and “professional” calls while others felt he “drags coverage down.” Many listeners did appreciate the friendly, conversational chemistry between Kalas and Blum during innings. We’ll be honest, their grade may have been dragged down slightly by those still bitter about the Astros cheating scandal.
“The blend of Kalas and Blum brings a professional, subtly sarcastic perfect combination,” wrote one grader. “With Julia Morales serving as the Astros bench proxy for every fan.”
23. Cleveland Guardians (Matt Underwood, Al Pawlowski, Rick Manning, Chris Gimenez, Cayleigh Griffin, Andre Knott): 1.93
Credit: Guardians.tv
Most common grade: C (42.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 70.9%
2025 Ranking: 20th
Feedback on the Guardians broadcast seemed very split between the play-by-play and commentary sides. Underwood receives frequent criticism for an “overly narrative style,” with one person opining that “Underwood’s long-winded stories miss what’s actually happening in the game.” In contrast, color analysts Rick Manning and newcomer Chris Gimenez garnered praise for providing “genuine” player perspective. Sideline reporter Knott is widely celebrated as a broadcast “highlight,” though fans have complained that recent talent shuffling has created “inconsistent announcers and general chaos.” Others lamented that the booth can treat the game like a conversational podcast rather than an active call.
“My guess is most non-Guardian fans don’t like this booth, but it’s really grown on me the last couple of years,” wrote one viewer. “It has a different flow than most games, a weird conversational thing.”
22. Cincinnati Reds (John Sadak, Jim Day, Tommy Thrall, Jeff Brantley, Chris Welsh, Barry Larkin, Sam LeCure): 1.97
Reds.tv
Most common grade: C (43.2% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 71.4%
2025 Ranking: 22nd
The Reds’ booth stayed put in this year’s rankings, getting plenty of praise on the play-by-play and sideline-reporter fronts but weighed down by split reactions to the commentary. Lead voice Sadak and sideline reporter Jim Day receive consistent praise for their “great energy” and preparation, though some felt the quality of Sadak’s work matches the team’s on-field performance. Road games featuring analyst Jeff Brantley earn glowing feedback, with one viewer noting, “Sadak and Brantley together make an A+ booth.” Conversely, home broadcasts featuring Hall of Famer Barry Larkin draw widespread criticism for “low energy.” Disappointed fans flatly state that Larkin “tanks this broadcast” during home stands.
“Sadak and Brantley together would make this an A+ booth,” wrote one grader. “Larkin brings it down a notch.”
21. Chicago White Sox (John Schriffen, Steve Stone, Brooke Fletcher, Gordon Beckham, Connor McKnight, Dan Plesac): 1.99
Credit: CSN
Most common grade: C (42.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 70.9%
2025 Ranking: 27th
This is a solid step up for a White Sox broadcast that was much maligned last season in the wake of Jason Benetti’s departure. Schriffen still faces significant skepticism from viewers and received some harsh feedback about an “over-the-top” and “unnatural” style. Multiple viewers shared the sentiment that he “tries too hard to try and make you forget Jason Benetti.” The “legendary” Stone is the broadcast’s primary saving grace, with fans saying that he is “one of the best in the business” and “moves this up a full grade” thanks to his sharp pitching insights. Some graders acknowledge that Schriffen has improved somewhat as the team performs better, but many still find his catchphrases “grating.” Overall, the shadow of Benetti’s departure continues to heavily color fan perception, but it’s worth noting that their grades did improve this year.
20. Pittsburgh Pirates (Greg Brown, Joe Block, Rob King, Bob Walk, John Wehner, Neil Walker, Kevin Young, Matt Capps, Hannah Mears): 2.01
Credit: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Most common grade: C (39.9% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 72.6%
2025 Ranking: 25th
Pittsburgh jumped five spots in this year’s rankings, but the crew received a lot of feedback that they’re overly biased. Critical viewers label announcers Greg Brown and Joe Block as the “biggest homers and beggars for calls out of any booth in baseball.” Fans complain that the booth “doesn’t express a single criticism of the team unless management approves.” While former players like Kevin Young and Matt Capps earn mild praise for “tactical insights,” the overall tone is that the analysis is “sanitized.” Other viewers characterize the presentation as “dry and repetitive.” Hannah Mears did get positive feedback for being “awesome” and a “terrific sideline reporter,” at least.
19. Arizona Diamondbacks (Steve Berthiaume, Bob Brenly, Luis Gonzalez, Tom Candiotti, Josh Collmenter, Jody Jackson): 2.02
Most common grade: C (41.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 75.4%
2025 Ranking: 17th
Arizona’s longtime pair, Steve Berthiaume and Bob Brenly, provides fans with a “familiar” voice, though their style draws mixed reviews. Supporters enjoy the duo’s rapport, noting that “the two provide comedic relief at times as they’ve been working together for over 10 years.” However, critics argue that the pair “struggles with today’s game,” “could be a little more excitable,” and are “always complaining about the strike zone.” Some fans want to see radio talent like Chris Garagiola move to the primary TV broadcast. On-field reporter Jody Jackson and the guest analysts receive praise for “raising the broadcast quality.”
“Josh Collmenter is the rising star here,” added one grader. “Great insight and sharp wit.”
18. St. Louis Cardinals (Chip Caray, Stefan Caray, Brad Thompson, Mark Sweeney, Dani Wexelman, Jim Hayes): 2.13
Most common grade: C (31.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 73%
2025 Ranking: 19th
The Cardinals remain in the middle of the pack, with graders divided on the balance between professional play-by-play and comedic banter. Caray is respected as a “steady professional,” with supporters noting that “he might have haters, but Chip calls a clean game every day.” Critics feel Caray is “easily led astray by Brad Thompson, who sometimes forgets his job is describing baseball and not being a stand-up comedian.” Reporter Dani Wexelman (“awesome”) receives praise for her sideline knowledge.
“Really don’t get why this booth always gets a low grade every year,” said one grader. “Chip and Brad make a solid team and are a great listen. Chip has really become one of us over the years. It’s like listening to two funny dads call a baseball game.”
17. Los Angeles Angels (Wayne Randazzo, Trent Rush, Mark Gubicza, Erica Weston): 2.14
Most common grade: C (30.9% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 71.4%
2025 Ranking: 10th
This is a bit of a dip for the Angels broadcast, which is a little surprising, given the decent amount of praise they received in the comments. The duo of Wayne Randazzo and Mark Gubicza earns enthusiastic praise for making the broadcast enjoyable while the team struggles. “Wayne and Gubie are easily the most underrated duo in the league,” opined one grader. Gubicza was praised for his “positive attitude” and in-depth pitching breakdowns, which made broadcasts enjoyable even during blowout losses. Some critics find Randazzo’s play-by-play “slightly dry” or “repetitive” on home run calls; others consider him a “sharp professional.”
“The only light in (somehow) the most miserable season yet for Angels fans is the broadcasting team,” said one grader.
16. Minnesota Twins (Cory Provus, Gregg Caserta, Justin Morneau, Paul Molitor, Glen Perkins, Trevor Plouffe, Denard Span): 2.18
Twins.tv
Most common grade: C (40.2% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 77.4%
2025 Ranking: 15th
Many view the Twins’ TV broadcast as a “polished” and “professional product” that balances traditional play-by-play with modern insights. Graders widely agreed that lead announcer Cory Provus “is a pro’s pro” who is “underrated.” Former MVP Morneau is celebrated as the team’s “best analyst,” though some note that his delivery can occasionally feel “a little dry.” All of the analysts received some form of praise. Some graders suggested adding the “fantastic” Plouffe permanently to form a three-person booth. The “Players Only” broadcast received significant praise as well, and many graders hoped that would happen more often.
“I appreciate how they keep the play-by-play consistent, but cycle through various analysts with different perspectives,” wrote a grader who roots for another MLB team. “The all-analyst broadcast is a delightful twist on the baseball viewing experience, and I try to catch that series every year.”
15. Seattle Mariners (Aaron Goldsmith, Rich Waltz, Angie Mentink, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Jay Buhner, Dave Valle, Ryon Healy): 2.21
Most common grade: C (37.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 79.1%
2025 Ranking: 14th
Seattle’s booth garnered respectable reviews that praised its lead talent but criticized it for frequent analyst turnover. Graders praise play-by-play voice Aaron Goldsmith for his “enthusiasm,” noting that he has “quickly improved” and brings “genuine excitement” to big moments. Sideline reporter Mentink also receives consistent praise, with graders noting she “keeps this broadcast at a solid level.” Many viewers expressed frustration with the “revolving door of color commentators,” which prevents the booth from developing a deep rhythm, and a desire for the broadcast to be less “unfocused.” Many local supporters admit that they still prefer switching audio to the beloved radio broadcast featuring Rick Rizzs. However, that seemed more about how much they love Rizzs than about how they felt about the TV product.
14. Los Angeles Dodgers (Joe Davis, Stephen Nelson, Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Eric Karros, Dontrelle Willis, Rick Monday, Jessica Mendoza, Kirsten Watson): 2.22
Spectrum Sportsnet
Most common grade: B (27.7% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 67.8%
2025 Ranking: 14th
A slight step back in the rankings for the Dodgers booth this year, even though it received strong marks for the play-by-play. Both Davis and Nelson were celebrated as “elite callers” who handle high-stakes moments “effortlessly.” Many graders felt “blessed to have either Joe or Stephen calling each game,” alongside Hershiser and Willis. However, some graders express frustration over “constant analyst swapping,” noting there are “too many cooks in the kitchen” across both TV and radio. Other fans lament seeing less of Hershiser on routine broadcasts.
“Joe and Orel may be the duo that gets the most attention, but it’s Stephen Nelson who has continued his growth into one of the better PBP broadcasters,” wrote one grader. “Nelson and Monday are a formidable team, with Nelson’s youthful exuberance and Monday’s statesmanlike presence quintessentially ‘baseball.’”
13. Tampa Bay Rays (Dewayne Staats, Andy Freed, Brian Anderson, Ryan Bass): 2.26
Rays.tv
Most common grade: C (29.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 73.1%
2025 Ranking: 16th
The Rays broadcast stepped up a few notches in this year’s ranking thanks to what many viewers considered a “dependable” operation despite understated production values. Staats provides a “calm, experienced anchor” for the broadcast, while Anderson is “the true star of the booth,” with many noting that Anderson’s national-level expertise “elevates the entire broadcast.” Graders also appreciated the crew’s objective, informative style, describing them as a “middle of the road crew with nothing flashy, but a very high floor.”
“Anderson is the best [because] you always learn something about the game from him,” said one grader.
12. Atlanta Braves (Brandon Gaudin, Wiley Ballard, Paul Byrd, C. J. Nitkowski, Jeff Francoeur): 2.30
Most common grade: B (32% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 77.9%
2025 Ranking: 13th
The Braves stayed consistent in the rankings this year, garnering high marks for their “seamless chemistry,” “humor,” and “interesting analytical perspectives.” Gaudin seems to have won over many viewers, with one viewer sharing that “Brandon & CJ have the chemistry that you hope for in a local crew.” Others highlighted how well Gaudin “complements his analysts,” noting that Nitkowski offers “well-researched deep dives into nerdy aspects” while Francoeur brings a “laid-back sports bar approach.” Some critics felt Gaudin’s energetic style can occasionally resemble “a video game call.” However, most graders view the booth as an entertaining, highly prepared broadcast.
“Other than a brief stretch in the 2000s when the booth was Joe Simpson and Jon Sciambi, this is the best booth I can remember,” said one grader.
11. Boston Red Sox (Dave O’Brien, Mike Monaco, Lou Merloni, Will Middlebrooks, Kevin Millar, Alanna Rizzo, Jahmai Webster): 2.30
Credit: NESN
Most common grade: B (35.9% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 74.9%
2025 Ranking: 11th
Another booth that stood pat in this year’s rankings, much of the feedback around the Red Sox broadcast was positive, with the analysts receiving the bulk of the praise. “Will Middlebrooks has been an absolute gem in the booth” due to his “modern, insightful breakdowns.” Graders also point out that “Lou Merloni has definitely gotten better over the years.” O’Brien received mixed feedback, with critical graders labeling him “overrated” or the “weakest link” in the setup. Plenty of others found him to be “great,” “revitalized,” and “a top-five PBP guy.” There was a nostalgic pang over the “painful comedown from the brilliant Orsillo, Remy, Eckersley combo” of previous years. Still, the consensus appeared to be that the Red Sox have a “solid, respectable” broadcast that calls a good game.
10. Baltimore Orioles (Kevin Brown, Ben Wagner, Brett Hollander, Jim Palmer, Ben McDonald, Ryan Ripken, Brian Roberts, Melanie Newman, Rob Long): 2.55
Credit: MASN
Most common grade: B (35.7% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 84.1%
2025 Ranking: 7th
A somewhat surprising dip for the Orioles booth this year, especially as many graders still hold the broadcast in high regard. Central to the positive feedback is the “infectious chemistry” between Brown and McDonald. Graders consistently note that the core group “don’t take themselves too seriously, but know the game is the main event” while delivering “top-tier’ baseball analysis. Hall-of-Famer Jim Palmer remains beloved as a “legend [who] is still great” whenever he makes booth appearances. Some graders did complain about “energy control” during big plays, saying that the crew can “tend to get a little too excited/shout too much about some plays.” Others expressed some frustration over the crowded rotation of analysts, preferring to see McDonald as much as possible.
“The Orioles’ broadcasts are victims of their own success, because Brown and McDonald are both loaned out to ESPN for the CWS, WCWS, and other events that conflict with the Orioles schedule,” wrote one grader.
9. Milwaukee Brewers (Jeff Levering, Brian Anderson, Craig Coshun, Bill Schroeder, Tim Dillard, Vinny Rottino, Sophia Minnaert): 2.60
Most common grade: B (33.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 83.6%
2025 Ranking: 9th
Milwaukee continues to field a top-ten broadcast team admired by many of its viewers. Graders shared appreciation for Anderson and Levering as the “best one-two combo in MLB.” Sideline reporter Minnaert received near-unanimous praise, with graders calling her “the best field reporter in sports” for her insightful, bilingual player interviews. Longtime analyst Schroeder provides “comfortable” familiarity, while newer analysts Dillard and Rottino add “fresh perspectives.” Graders consistently appreciated that the TV broadcasts feel “polished,” “friendly,” and “deeply knowledgeable.”
“Anderson … deserves the national spotlight he gets,” said one person. “He’s excellent at baseball play-by-play, and his supporting cast both complements and is elevated by his skill.”
8. Toronto Blue Jays (Dan Shulman, Ben Shulman, Joe Siddall, Caleb Joseph, Madison Shipman, Hazel Mae): 2.62
Credit: Hazel Mae
Most common grade: A (31.8% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 78.8%
2025 Ranking: 4th
The loss of Buck Martinez may have contributed to the Blue Jays broadcast’s drop in the rankings, but it’s still clearly considered among the best in the business. Dan Shulman garnered most of the praise, with graders calling it an “absolute masterclass in the craft” and noting how he “treats his audience like intelligent adults.” Graders applauded his ability to balance high-stakes excitement with tactical pitch breakdowns “without hijacking the game.” Graders noted that Siddall is “still finding his footing” as a full-time replacement for Martinez, but viewers had “a lot of respect” for his analytical work.
“Despite the loss of the great Buck Martinez, Shulman is still great, and it’s a reliable broadcast,” said one grader.
7. Detroit Tigers (Jason Benetti, Dan Dickerson, Andy Dirks, Dan Petry, Carlos Peña, Todd Jones): 2.69
Tigers.tv
Most common grade: A (41.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 79%
2025 Ranking: 8th
No surprise to see the Tigers broadcast back up here, and many graders can’t say enough about how much the arrival of Benetti has transformed the vibes. Benetti received plenty of praise for being“fun, entertaining, but also super good at explaining the game.” Other graders rated the overall crew highly, saying it’s the“best there is by a long shot.” Benetti’s playful banter with Dirks and Petry “is always good for a laugh” but also provides “interesting” tactical insight. A minor contingent of graders cautioned that Benetti can occasionally “talk too much” or get sidetracked by roving reporters during gameplay. Overall, it’s clear the Tigers’ booth is widely considered an elite TV broadcast.
“Never know what’s gonna happen in any game’s broadcast (in a good way),” wrote one person. “No real weak links up and down the broadcast lineup and very enjoyable to watch/listen.”
6. Philadelphia Phillies Tom McCarthy, Scott Franzke, John Kruk, Ben Davis, Rubén Amaro Jr., Cole Hamels): 2.73
Credit: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Most common grade: A (35.5% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 82.2%
2025 Ranking: 6th
The positive feedback on the Phillies booth is driven by the “entertaining” and “impossible to predict” dynamic between McCarthy and Kruk, but there’s more to their appreciation of the broadcast. Graders describe listening to McCarthy and Kruk as “an absolute pleasure,” highlighting that their on-air chemistry is “fantastic.” Kruk’s casual, humorous commentary makes broadcasts “feel like watching a game with a friend,” though a few opposing fans find the booth overly “homerish.” Graders also praise Franzke as one of the finest play-by-play callers in the sport. Hamels has also received positive notes for his recent broadcast appearances.
“Tom McCarthy is potentially America’s most underrated sportscaster,” wrote one grader. “John Kruk is a treasure.”
5. Chicago Cubs (Jon Sciambi, Alex Cohen, Jim Deshaies, Rick Sutcliffe, Taylor McGregor, Elise Menaker, Ryan Dempster, Cliff Floyd): 2.77
Credit: Marquee Sports Network
Most common grade: B (37.9% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 85.1%
2025 Ranking: 5th
Seeing the Cubs broadcast this high in the rankings is no surprise. A lot of that is due to the core duo of Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Jim Deshaies, whom they call an “elite pairing” with “incredible back-and-forth chatter.” Sciambi’s national broadcasting duties cause frequent absences that frustrate some viewers. “There is a high percentage of broadcasts without one or both of them, and things fall off a cliff,” said one grader. Sideline reporter McGregor received many positive mentions for her field reporting. When fully intact, the booth ranks among the best, but graders do warn that substitute rotations keep this broadcast from climbing even higher.
“Jim Deshaies deserves more recognition,” wrote one grader. “Informed, entertaining, humorous, experienced. Boog is great, and Cohen deserves his own booth.”
4. New York Yankees (Michael Kay, Ryan Ruocco, Paul O’Neill, Joe Girardi, David Cone, Meredith Marakovitis): 2.86
Credit: YES
Most common grade: A (51.4% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 79.6%
2025 Ranking: 23rd
The biggest mover in the rankings this year is the Yankees broadcast. They also received the most votes of any booth (over 1,000 more than the next-highest one). We’ll get to that in a second. Despite garnering a significant number of A grades, the Yankees broadcast generated sharply polarized reactions. Cone was universally praised as “brilliant” for his “sophisticated analytical breakdowns” and commentary. Kay draws mixed reviews, with critics arguing he is “way too full of himself” and “repetitive.” O’Neill brings the “comic relief” and “fan-favorite status,” though some view his analytical contribution as “basic.”
“This is the epitome of a professional team,” said one grader. “Brilliant analytics; they tell it like it is, and yes, they are a Yankees broadcast, but they do not hate on the other team.”
Much of the Yankees broadcast’s meteoric rise this year can likely be credited to Michael Kay’s social media campaign to drive votes. That’s well within the rules, but we noted that Kay’s motivation for driving votes was that “I think pitting broadcasts against each other is disgusting.” He wanted to prove a point (especially given how the Yankees usually fare versus the Mets). We admire Kay’s defense of the broadcasting brotherhood/sisterhood. Still, if the point was to prove these rankings are some sham, and it resulted in the Yankees getting their highest ranking ever (by a mile), we’re curious what, exactly, that point is.
3. New York Mets (Gary Cohen, Steve Gelbs, Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, Todd Zeile, Daniel Murphy): 2.97
Credit: SNY
Most common grade: A (53.4% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 82.5%
2025 Ranking: 2nd
The trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling (“GKR”) received plenty of praise for being the “gold standard” and “the best booth in Major League Baseball.” Graders praised their “chemistry,” “comedic moments,” and “elite baseball knowledge,” calling them “unpredictable, knowledgeable, endlessly enjoyable, and the best in the business.” Viewers particularly respect their objectivity, admiring that they “aren’t afraid to rip the team when deserved” rather than acting as team boosters. Gelbs was praised for “fitting in seamlessly” into the group’s lighthearted dynamic. Even when the team struggles on the field, fans tune in “just to hear what these guys have to say.”
“Best booth in the game,” said one person. “Tell it like it is, whether the Mets are good or bad, and they have a good time.”
2. San Francisco Giants (Duane Kuiper, Dave Flemming, Jon Miller, Glen Kuiper, Mike Krukow, Javier López, Shawn Estes, Hunter Pence): 3.02
Credit: NBC Sports Bay Area
Most common grade: A (50% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 81%
2025 Ranking: 3rd
For a last hurrah in its current incarnation, the Giants broadcast is going out in style. San Francisco’s “legendary” commentary team of Duane Kuiper, Mike Krukow, Jon Miller, and Dave Flemming remains deeply cherished. “They are the best, and you know it,” said one grader. The lifelong rapport between “Kruk and Kuip” sets the standard for local broadcasting, blending humor, authority, insight, and “emotional connection.” With Krukow retiring, grader sentiment was tinged with deep nostalgia and affection for him and the many years he’s been in their lives. Graders write that “Kruk and Kuip not being in the Hall of Fame yet is an embarrassment to baseball.” Perhaps that will change soon.
“There are none better,” said one person. “It will not be the same next year without Krukow, but because of the other big three, it will still be great.”
1. San Diego Padres (Don Orsillo, Jesse Agler, Mark Grant, Tony Gwynn Jr., Bob Scanlan, Mariluz Cook): 3.07
Credit: Padres.tv
Most common grade: A (52% of votes)
Percentage of A/B/C grades: 88.1%
2025 Ranking: 1st
The champs stay the champs with a gaudy 88.1% of A/B/C grades this year. San Diego’s booth, led by Don Orsillo and Mark “Mud” Grant, continues to earn glowing reviews as baseball’s “most joyful” and “entertaining” duo. Graders praised them for being “entertaining and insightful regardless of the score,” with many flatly declaring them “the best, and it’s not close.” Orsillo’s signature play-calling paired with Grant’s “goofy” humor creates an “infectious” atmosphere every night. Graders noted that Orsillo “consistently elevates the broadcast,” making routine regular-season games “feel like events.” Disgruntled Red Sox fans also continued to join in praising Orsillo, lamenting the way his time in Boston ended.
“Don and Mud are the perfect mix of baseball acumen, fun, and random humor that bring joy to the game,” wrote one grader. “And Tony Gwynn Jr. continues to improve while Scanlan and others do great work.”
Thank you to everyone who submitted grades this year!