What Happened to Eric Karros?
Eric Karros is a former Major League Baseball first baseman known for his successful 14-season career, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned the 1992 NL Rookie of the Year award and became the franchise's all-time Los Angeles home run leader. Since retiring from playing in 2004, Karros has transitioned into a prominent broadcasting career, serving as a game and studio analyst for FOX Sports and Spectrum SportsNet LA, covering the Dodgers, and occasionally joining other broadcasts, including for his sons' professional debuts.
Quick Answer
Eric Karros, the former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and 1992 NL Rookie of the Year, has successfully transitioned into a career as a prominent baseball analyst and broadcaster since retiring from playing in 2004. As of May 2026, he continues to work as a game and studio analyst for FOX Sports, contributing to their MLB regular season coverage, and also covers the Dodgers on Spectrum SportsNet LA. He remains involved in baseball, often seen supporting his sons, Jared and Kyle, who are pursuing professional baseball careers, with Kyle making his MLB debut around 2025.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey
Eric Peter Karros was born in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers
Karros was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft.
MLB Debut with Los Angeles Dodgers
Eric Karros made his Major League Baseball debut as a pinch runner for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs.
Awarded NL Rookie of the Year
In his first full season, Karros won the National League Rookie of the Year Award, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 88 runs.
Won Silver Slugger Award
Karros earned a Silver Slugger Award at first base and finished 5th in the National League MVP voting.
Hit two home runs in one inning
Eric Karros accomplished the rare feat of hitting two home runs in the same inning, a unique achievement in Dodgers history.
Traded to the Chicago Cubs
After 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Karros was traded to the Chicago Cubs.
Last MLB Appearance
Karros played his final Major League Baseball game as a member of the Oakland Athletics.
Retired from Professional Baseball
After a 14-year career in MLB, Eric Karros officially retired from professional baseball.
Began Broadcasting for Fox Saturday Baseball
Following his playing career, Karros transitioned to broadcasting, joining Fox to call regional games. He had previously worked for Fox Sports and ESPN.
Joined MLB: The Show as Co-Broadcaster
Karros debuted as a co-broadcaster for the popular video game series MLB 11: The Show, alongside Matt Vasgersian.
Returned to Dodger Broadcasting on Spectrum SportsNet LA
Eric Karros rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers' broadcasting team, covering games on Spectrum SportsNet LA.
Cheered on son Jared Karros in Spring Training
Eric Karros was seen cheering on his son, Jared Karros, who struck out four batters in two scoreless innings for the Dodgers during a spring outing.
Joined Rockies' Broadcast for Son Kyle's MLB Debut
Karros joined the Colorado Rockies' broadcast to discuss his son, Kyle Karros, making his Major League Baseball debut.
Confirmed as FOX Sports MLB Analyst for 2026 Season
Eric Karros was confirmed as a game and studio analyst for FOX Sports' coverage of the 2026 Major League Baseball regular season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Eric Karros enjoyed a distinguished 14-year career in Major League Baseball, primarily as a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Drafted by the Dodgers in 1988, he made his MLB debut in 1991 and quickly established himself, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1992. He became a cornerstone of the Dodgers' lineup, known for his power hitting, and holds the record for most home runs (270) by a Los Angeles Dodger. After leaving the Dodgers in 2002, he played for the Chicago Cubs in 2003 and the Oakland Athletics in 2004 before retiring.
Karros's success on the field was a result of his consistent performance and power at first base. His transition to broadcasting was a natural progression, leveraging his deep knowledge of the game and articulate communication skills. Many former players move into media roles, and Karros's popularity with the Dodgers and his analytical approach made him a suitable candidate for television.
A significant turning point was his 1992 Rookie of the Year season, which solidified his place in the majors. Another was his retirement from playing in 2004, which opened the door for his broadcasting career. His initial roles with Fox Sports and ESPN, followed by his long-standing association with MLB: The Show and his return to local Dodgers coverage with Spectrum SportsNet LA in 2022, marked his successful pivot to media.
Karros's post-playing career has kept him closely connected to baseball, allowing him to share his expertise with a wider audience. He has become a respected voice in baseball analysis, maintaining a high profile within the sport. His sons, Jared and Kyle, have also followed in his footsteps, playing college baseball at UCLA, with both being drafted and Kyle making his MLB debut around 2025, further cementing the Karros family's legacy in baseball.
As of May 27, 2026, Eric Karros remains an active and prominent baseball analyst. He is a game and studio analyst for FOX Sports, contributing to their 2026 MLB regular season coverage. Additionally, he continues to cover the Los Angeles Dodgers on Spectrum SportsNet LA, a role he returned to in March 2022. He also occasionally makes appearances on other broadcasts, such as joining the Colorado Rockies' broadcast in August 2025 to discuss his son Kyle's MLB debut.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Eric Karros made different choices?