In 2025, MLB The Show is hitting a massive milestone—its 20th anniversary. Celebrating two decades of merging baseball tradition with gaming innovation, this year is extra special for San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios. They’ve pulled out all the stops by putting not one, but three cover athletes on MLB The Show 25: Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson. These athletes represent the exciting future of baseball, adding a fresh chapter to the franchise’s rich history.
Let’s talk about Paul Skenes. His path to fame began in high school and carried on into college, where he became one of the standout pitchers, leading his team to a national championship. In the 2023 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates snagged him as the No. 1 overall pick. By the next season, he was making history as the first player ever to start an All-Star Game just a year after being drafted. Skenes dazzled throughout 2024, securing the National League Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the All-MLB First Team. His story perfectly mirrors the “Road to the Show” game mode, offering players a chance to follow their own path to baseball greatness.
Now, let’s shift gears to Elly De La Cruz. His ascent from the minors to major league stardom is the stuff dreams are made of. He burst onto the scene with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 and hasn’t slowed down since, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Known for lightning speed and a powerful arm, Elly’s one of the youngest players to ever hit for the cycle. The 2024 All-Star has perfected a dynamic five-tool skillset, along with a killer switch-hitting approach, making him the kind of player MLB The Show enthusiasts love to develop in Franchise mode.
Don’t forget Gunnar Henderson, who completes this trio of talent. Picked 42nd in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Orioles, Gunnar quickly climbed through their ranks, debuting in the majors at the tail end of the 2022 season. He was tapped as the #1 prospect heading into 2023 and showed why by helping push the Orioles into the postseason for the first time in seven years. Garnering Rookie of the Year honors and a Silver Slugger Award, he became a key player for his team. In 2024, his star continued to rise, as he made it to the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby. His journey echoes the ambition players harness in MLB The Show to dominate in head-to-head competitions.
For those eagerly waiting, be sure to join The Scouting Report for MLB The Show to stay in the loop on all upcoming features, updates, and legends. Subscribers starting April 2025 will enjoy monthly packs loaded with in-game rewards, and the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes will swing back into action with fantastic prizes such as Packs, Stubs, and signed memorabilia from the cover stars like Elly, Gunnar, and Paul. Don’t miss your chance—sign up at theshow.com!
Also, remember to set up your MLB The Show account before Opening Day. MLB The Show 25 makes it simple to switch between platforms while maintaining all your cards, thanks to cross-platform inventory support. Just head over to the site, create your account, and link it to your platform account. You’re ready to roll.
We’re excited to announce MLB The Show 25 is launching on March 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Keep in mind, it won’t be part of any platform subscription services in 2025. Those who go for the Digital Deluxe Edition get to jump into the action early, starting March 14.
Mark your calendars; the first look at our Gameplay Trailer drops on February 4 at 9:00 AM PST via San Diego Studio and MLB The Show’s social media channels. Stay tuned for weekly feature reveals, including in-depth Feature Trailer Deep Dives with MLB Network host Robert Flores, and the return of Feature Premieres from San Diego Studio’s development team.
Pre-orders for both the Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions kick off on February 4 at 6:00 AM PST on theshow.com, through platform stores, and at participating retailers.
For the latest scoop on MLB The Show, visit TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
*An internet connection is required for both the monthly pack offers and cross-platform progression features. Each platform requires a compatible game copy and linked accounts for full access.
