A new season for the Toronto Blue Jays will come with a noticeably different sound.
Mar 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Toronto Blue Jays logo during Opening Day before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Sportsnet has officially revealed its full broadcast lineup for 2026, just days before Opening Day. While much of the team remains familiar, one major absence will define this transition more than anything else.
Buck Martinez is no longer in the booth.
After four decades with the organization, Martinez has stepped away from broadcasting, closing a chapter that shaped how generations of fans experienced Blue Jays baseball. His presence alongside Dan Shulman became a staple of the franchise’s identity, blending insight, personality, and a deep connection to the game.
Now, that dynamic is changing.
Shulman will remain the lead voice, but he won’t have a single long-term partner. Instead, former players Joe Siddall and Caleb Joseph will rotate as analysts throughout the season. Both are already known to viewers through their studio work, but stepping into the game broadcast role full-time brings a different level of expectation.
Replacing Martinez isn’t just about analysis—it’s about tone, chemistry, and trust with the audience.
That challenge won’t be easy.
Beyond the booth, much of Sportsnet’s coverage structure remains intact. Jamie Campbell continues as the anchor for Blue Jays Central, with Madison Shipman taking on a larger role as lead analyst. Siddall and Joseph will also contribute to the studio show when they’re not calling games, creating a rotating presence across broadcasts.
On the field, continuity remains a strength.
Hazel Mae returns as the primary reporter, joined again by Arden Zwelling. Their role—delivering updates from the dugout and clubhouse—remains a key part of the broadcast, especially during high-pressure moments. Behind the scenes, insiders Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi will continue providing news, analysis, and league-wide context.
The radio side offers even more stability.
Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux will once again handle play-by-play and analysis duties on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. Their growing chemistry has quietly become a reliable companion for fans following games away from the screen.
And for those who want even more coverage, the surrounding media ecosystem remains unchanged.
Programs like Blair & Barker and Jays Talk will continue delivering daily discussion and postgame reaction, while Jays Talk Plus and the At The Letters podcast provide deeper dives into the team’s performance and direction.
All of it adds up to a familiar structure—but a different feel.
Because no matter how strong the lineup is, the absence of Martinez will be felt. His voice wasn’t just part of the broadcast—it was part of the franchise’s rhythm.
The Blue Jays are entering a new season with high expectations on the field.
And now, they’ll do so with a new era beginning off it as well.
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