Rex Hudler’s role with Royals TV has been reduced. His enthusiasm hasn’t
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Hudler will work roughly one-third of the Royals broadcasts this season.
- Hudler remains enthusiastic and will make his 2026 broadcast debut.
- Hudler is working with BelongKC on housing projects and fundraising.
For the most part, the reviews for Major League Baseball’s production of Royals games have been positive.
It’s a small sample size (three games), but the picture seems clearer, the graphics are sharper and even the commercials are a vast improvement.
The Royals also made changes to their broadcast team. Bridget Howard is a new sideline reporter, and Eric Hosmer is one of the analysts who will be working with play-by-play broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre.
Although the Royals never announced it, Hosmer, Jeremy Guthrie and Rex Hudler will each work roughly one-third of the broadcasts this season, with Jeff Montgomery filling that role at some points, too.
Many fans expressed their displeasure at not seeing or hearing from Hudler on the Royals’ broadcasts of games played opening day (last Friday) or Monday’s home opener. That touched Hudler.
“I love the Kansas City fans. They’re great,” Hudler said in a phone interview. “I love them. I so enjoy getting out in the city, and that’s what we’ve been doing a lot this offseason. And now with the time I’m going to have this summer, just giving back in the community like we’ve done the 15 years we’ve been here. It’s been an incredible blessing.”
No surprise given his natural enthusiasm, but Hudler thought the home opener at Kauffman Stadium was special to watch. Even if not being at the ballpark was strange.
Hudler noted that he was able to work 14 opening days as a broadcaster in Kansas City, 11 more with the Angels and many others during his days as a player. And he won’t be away from the park for long.
Hudler will make his 2026 broadcast debut Saturday when the Royals face the Brewers, and he is fired up about this year’s Kansas City team.
“I’ve had some time to sit back and look at the career, and look at the time here in Kansas City, and just really have nothing but wonderful feelings,” Hudler said. “And being here, watching this team win, seeing what a baseball town this is, it’s just emotional. So I’m excited that it’s not done, and they got a new ballpark coming, and there’s just so much excitement here with this team. It’s mind-boggling.
“I have to contain myself and I’ll have to be careful on Saturday, because it’ll all come gushing out, I’m sure. Poor Ryan.”
Hudler laughed as he thought about Lefebvre, should Hudler’s emotions in fact get the better of him Saturday.
Although his role has been reduced, Hudler is excited for his friend Lefebvre to work with Hosmer and Guthrie, who were on the 2015 World Series championship team and will bring a fresh voice to the broadcasts.
But after a quarter-century of working each full season in the broadcast booth, this year will be different for Hudler.
“Every year I tell my bosses with the television company that I want to do every game,” he said. “So I did most of them last year. I haven’t started cutting back by my own will. I always want to do as many games as I can. And this year, when they wanted to bring these other guys in, I think that’s great for our listeners. So really, it’s a positive, and I’ll do the games they gave me and be grateful and look forward to coming out this weekend.”
Hudler said the analyst rotation is great for Hosmer: He has three kids at home — the oldest just 3 years old — so a full season would be a big load to carry. Also, Guthrie moved to Kansas City and has fully embraced his broadcast role, Hudler noted.
Hudler is also thrilled to see what Howard brings to the broadcast team.
“She’s a real fresh voice and a new talent to go along with all of us,” Hudler said.
Hudler, 65, may have more time away from the ballpark this year, but he plans to remain busy. He is working closely with BelongKC, which aims to help individuals with developmental disabilities. His 30-year-old son Cade has Down syndrome, so the project is close to his heart.
“I’m involved in a huge project with BelongKC. We’re breaking ground in June,” Hudler said. “We’re going to make some apartment complexes for some young adults so they can live independent, a little independent living. So we’ve been raising funds for that and doing my golf tournaments and charities and just loving on the people.
“So I’m thrilled that anybody would even miss me. I’m happy for that. That makes me feel good.”
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
