MLB returns to NBC while baseballs are flying farther this season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 6:45 PM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Major League Baseball's schedule expands with NBC back as the exclusive broadcaster for Sunday Night Baseball and additional key events starting in 2026. In terms of gameplay, trends indicate that baseballs may be traveling farther this season, as data shows an increase in the average distance of hit balls. The average distance of barreled balls has jumped significantly from April to June, suggesting a potential offensive surge. These changes follow a stretch of the league producing fewer runs and home runs in prior seasons due to alterations in the baseball design.
- •NBC becomes the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball in 2026.
- •Baseballs are showing a notable increase in distance traveled since May.
- •The average distance of barreled balls increased by 10.2 feet from April to June.
- •Historical context includes lower offensive numbers in previous years due to baseball design changes.
- 6:45 PMYahoo Sports — MLB Notebook: Nick Kurtz's quiet elite season, baseballs are flying farther again, and more
"Eric Samulski breaks down the recent news and top performers from across Major League Baseball.
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