MLB Royals Add Sweeney, Guthrie To Broadcast Team

Mike Sweeney and Jeremy Guthrie

The Royals will have more than a new manager and coaching staff for the 2023 season. The broadcast team also will have a new look. 

In November, the Royals announced Steve Physioc’s retirement and replaced him with Jake Eisenberg, who had been calling games for the team’s Triple-A affiliate. 

The Kansas City Star reports the Royals have added a pair of former players will join the pregame and postgame television shows on Bally Sports Kansas City. Royals Hall of Famer Mike Sweeney and former pitcher Jeremy Guthrie also will call some radio games and be guests on television broadcasts. 

“Two things that I enjoy doing are growing and giving,” Sweeney said in a news release. “I’m excited about growing as a member of the Kansas City Royals, and I’m excited about giving back to fans and sharing my passion for the game and my love for the players as a member of the incredible broadcast team that I’m blessed to join.” 

Sweeney, who played for the Royals from 1995-2007, and Eisenberg filled in on KC radio broadcasts last year after a COVID outbreak. 

The Royals said Sweeney will continue his job as the team’s Special Assistant to Baseball Operations/Leadership Department. 

Guthrie, who pitched for the Royals from 2012-15 and started Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, called a KC game that streamed on Facebook in 2018. 

“I love the Royals, have great memories of playing in Kansas City, and am excited for the opportunity to help bring the game to life for all of our fans,” Guthrie said in a news release. 

“As a player, the Royals’ broadcast team was one of my favorites because of their deep understanding and passion for the game. My hope is to bring a mix of insight and modern interpretation of the game in working with some of the best in the business.” 

The Royals said Guthrie and Sweeney will join the current broadcast crew: Eisenberg, Denny Matthews, Ryan Lefebvre, Rex Hudler, Joel Goldberg, Jeff Montgomery and Steve Stewart. Eisenberg shared his excitement about additions to the broadcast team in a Twitter message.