We're still weeks away from Opening Day, but Philadelphia Phillies fans will notice some changes to broadcasts this season thanks to a ridiculous decision by NBC Sports Philadelphia. As we learned recently, the Phillies' spring training broadcasts for home games will feature the familiar voice of play-by-play man Tom McCarthy. He'll be joined by Ruben Amaro Jr., John Kruk, and Ben Davis on a rotating basis.
However, a couple of names that were left off the spring broadcast roster raised some eyebrows. Sideline/on-field reporter Taryn Hatcher and occasional color commentator Mike Schmidt were nowhere to be found in the broadcast update. While at first this seemed like this might just be a spring training thing, we quickly found out that neither Hatcher nor Schmidt would be returning to regular season broadcasts this year.
NBCSP cutting Taryn Hatcher from Phillies broadcasts is a big mistake
While Schmidt chose to step away from his Sunday home game appearances himself, according to McCarthy, Hatcher wasn't given a choice by NBC Sports Philadelphia. With rumors swirling that her contract had expired and that NBC was removing her role from the broadcasts, Hatcher herself cleared things up over the weekend.
"Sadly I won't be returning on Phillies coverage this season," Hatcher confirmed on social media shortly after word got out that she wasn't coming back. "At the conclusion of the 2025, I was told that my role on the sidelines at NBCSP was being eliminated moving forward.
"While the news was pretty heartbreaking, I have to acknowledge that it was a really fun run. I loved every second of it. I'm grateful for everyone who tuned in over the years, and for the wonderful people I've met along the way."
hi everybody pic.twitter.com/YWSlMZEyRz
— Taryn Hatcher (@TarynNHatcher) February 21, 2026
Popular personalities in Philadelphia, losing both Hatcher and Schmidt will leave noticeable holes in NBC Sports Philadelphia's coverage of the Phillies in 2026.
While a polarizing part among fans of Sunday broadcasts, Schmidt brought his legendary status as the Phillies' greatest ever player and arguably the greatest third baseman in MLB history to the table. The good news is that Cole Hamels will be continuing his part-time gig in the booth.
But it's NBC Sport Philadlephia's decision to cut Hatcher entirely that will leave fans scratching their heads. We all know how great of a rapport Hatcher had with the rest of the broadcast team. From her on-field reporting to features from the concourse at Citizens Bank Park, fans enjoyed her part in the 82-game home schedule broadcasts.
Needless to say, we think NBC Sports Philadelphia made a huge mistake letting her go and deleting that role entirely. Phillies broadcasts just won't be the same this season. We wish her all the best!