What Happened to John Andrew Smoltz?
John Smoltz is a Hall of Fame former Major League Baseball pitcher who played 21 seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, achieving distinction as both a dominant starter and an elite closer. Since retiring from playing in 2009, he has become a highly respected lead baseball analyst for FOX Sports and MLB Network, while also actively pursuing a competitive amateur golf career and hosting charitable events.
Quick Answer
John Smoltz, a Baseball Hall of Famer, continues to be a prominent figure in baseball as the lead game analyst for FOX Sports, covering regular season, All-Star, and postseason games, including the World Series, alongside Joe Davis. He also serves as an analyst for MLB Network. Beyond broadcasting, Smoltz is an avid and competitive golfer, participating in PGA TOUR Champions events and celebrity tournaments, and hosts an annual charity golf event. As of July 2026, he is actively involved in his broadcasting duties and preparing for upcoming golf competitions.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Detroit Tigers
John Smoltz was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the MLB June Amateur Draft, turning down a scholarship to Michigan State University.
Traded to Atlanta Braves
Smoltz was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Doyle Alexander. This trade is widely considered one of the most lopsided in MLB history.
MLB Debut with Atlanta Braves
Smoltz made his Major League Baseball debut with the Atlanta Braves at the age of 21.
World Series Champion
Smoltz helped lead the Atlanta Braves to their first World Series championship since moving to Atlanta, defeating the Cleveland Indians.
Wins NL Cy Young Award
Smoltz had a career-best season, posting a 24-8 record with a 2.94 ERA and 276 strikeouts, earning him the National League Cy Young Award.
Converts to Closer Role
Following Tommy John surgery, Smoltz successfully transitioned to a closer, leading the NL with 55 saves in 2002 and becoming the only pitcher with 200 wins and 150 saves.
Last MLB Appearance
Smoltz made his final Major League appearance with the St. Louis Cardinals, concluding a 21-season playing career.
Braves Retire Number 29
The Atlanta Braves honored Smoltz by retiring his uniform number 29 in a ceremony before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Joins Fox Sports as Analyst
Smoltz began his broadcasting career with Fox Sports as a game analyst, quickly establishing himself as a respected voice.
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
In his first year of eligibility, John Smoltz was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with his induction ceremony held on July 26, 2015.
Becomes Lead MLB Analyst for Fox
Smoltz was elevated to the lead analyst position for Major League Baseball on Fox, providing color commentary for marquee events like the All-Star Game and World Series.
Qualifies for U.S. Senior Open
Demonstrating his prowess in golf, Smoltz qualified and competed in the U.S. Senior Open, a significant achievement for a former professional athlete in another sport.
Confirmed as Lead FOX MLB Analyst for 2026 Season
FOX Sports announced its 2026 MLB broadcast roster, confirming John Smoltz and Joe Davis as the lead game analysis team for their fifth season together, covering top regular season and playoff games.
Discusses Golf Aspirations and MLB Lockout Concerns
In an interview, Smoltz discussed his preparations for the American Century Championship and his ongoing efforts to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open, while also warning MLB about the potential negative impact of a looming lockout after the 2026 season.
Hosts 34th Annual Braves Celebrity-Am Golf Tournament
The 34th annual John Smoltz Braves Celebrity-Am golf tournament is scheduled to take place, benefiting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
John Smoltz, born May 15, 1967, carved out a remarkable 21-season career in Major League Baseball, predominantly with the Atlanta Braves. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1985 and traded to the Braves in 1987, Smoltz made his MLB debut in 1988 and quickly became a cornerstone of the Braves' formidable pitching rotation alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. He was instrumental in the Braves' perennial success in the 1990s, including their 1995 World Series championship. Smoltz earned the National League Cy Young Award in 1996 with a 24-8 record, 2.94 ERA, and 276 strikeouts, leading the league in both wins and strikeouts that year.
A significant turning point in Smoltz's career came after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2000. Upon his return, he transitioned to a closer role from 2001 to 2004, where he continued to excel, leading the National League with a franchise-record 55 saves in 2002. This unique versatility made him the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves. He later returned to starting pitching, demonstrating his exceptional adaptability. Smoltz retired in 2009 after brief stints with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, finishing with 213 wins, 154 saves, and 3,084 strikeouts. His number 29 was retired by the Atlanta Braves in 2012.
Following his illustrious playing career, Smoltz transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He joined MLB Network as an analyst and TBS for postseason coverage. In 2014, he was hired by Fox Sports as a game analyst, quickly ascending to the network's lead broadcast team in 2016, where he has since called the All-Star Game and World Series. He won his first Sports Emmy Award as an Event Analyst in 2021. As of March 2026, Smoltz is in his fifth full-time season as FOX MLB's lead game analyst, working alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Davis, and was part of the broadcast team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Smoltz's post-playing endeavors also extend to competitive golf. An accomplished amateur golfer, he qualified for the U.S. Senior Open in 2018 and regularly participates in PGA TOUR Champions events and celebrity tournaments like the American Century Championship. In June 2026, he was preparing for the American Century Championship and attempting to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open again, expressing a strong desire to test his golf skills. He also hosts the annual John Smoltz Braves Celebrity-Am golf tournament, with the 34th edition scheduled for August 2-3, 2026, to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
In recent news, Smoltz has remained vocal on baseball matters. In March 2026, he advocated for moving the World Baseball Classic to the middle of the MLB season to enhance its prominence. In June 2026, he issued a warning to Major League Baseball regarding a potential lockout after the 2026 season, stressing that a work stoppage would harm the sport, referencing the expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement. He continues to be a respected voice, offering insights on the game's competitive balance and future.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if John Andrew Smoltz made different choices?