Why isn’t Joe Buck announcing the 2023 MLB All-Star Game?

Baseball fans are used to Joe Buck announcing the MLB All-Star Game, but he’s not in the booth for FOX Sports anymore. 

Joe Buck had a long run at FOX Sports, announcing the All-Star Game and World Series for over a decade. However, that honor now goes to Joe Davis, while Buck has since signed a contract with ESPN and is regularly featured on their Monday Night Football broadcast.

FanSided’s John Buhler commented on Buck’s decision to leave FOX when the news broke a year ago.

"“Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reports Buck is expected to leave FOX for ESPN to become the voice of Monday Night Football. Buck had been with FOX Sports since the very beginning. Not only has he called NFL games for over a quarter of a century there, he was the voice of the World Series for a generation. Buck has also called six Super Bowls while at FOX.”"

Buck and Troy Aikman switched networks, with FOX left to pick up the pieces. They have done quite well with Davis, who is one of the more recognizable voices in the sport at this time.

Why isn’t Joe Buck announcing the 2023 MLB All-Star Game?

It’s common knowledge at this point. Buck left for ESPN when FOX didn’t prioritize him enough to match the offer, and he took his partner Aikman with him. ESPN discussed their decision to nab Buck and Aikman back in March of last year.

"“When you have the opportunity to bring in the iconic, longest-running NFL broadcasting duo, you take it, especially at a time when we are on the cusp of a new era in our expanding relationship with the NFL,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Disney’s chairman of ESPN and sports content. “The NFL continues to ascend, and we now have more games than ever before, providing additional opportunities for Joe, Troy and our deep roster of commentators.”"

Fans will have to get used to MLB events without Buck, as ESPN has no plans to move him to baseball for now.