In the year 2025, MLB The Show is reaching a significant milestone—its 20th anniversary. That’s two decades of capturing the spirit of baseball, pushing the boundaries of gaming innovation, and delivering lasting memories for fans all around the globe. To commemorate this big event, San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios have gone all out with MLB The Show 25, featuring something we’ve never seen before: not just one, but three cover athletes. Welcome Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson—rising stars who embody the future of baseball as we celebrate two incredible decades of this beloved franchise.
Paul Skenes has come a long way since his high school days. He made waves in college by nabbing a national championship, which led to him being the overall number one pick for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft. Skenes didn’t waste any time making history; he debuted in the big leagues and was the first player ever to start an All-Star Game just a year after being drafted. To top off a brilliant 2024 season, he snagged the National League Rookie of the Year award and earned a spot on the All-MLB First Team. His journey perfectly mirrors that of MLB The Show’s “Road to the Show,” where players craft their own path to glory.
Now, let’s dive into the exciting story of Elly De La Cruz, who burst onto the scene from the minor leagues to the majors, making a name for himself with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. Elly quickly showed he’s one of the most thrilling players to watch, becoming one of the youngest ever to hit for the cycle. His lightning-fast speed and strong arm have set him apart as a promising talent. In 2024, his skills were on full display at the All-Star Game, showcasing what MLB The Show enthusiasts aspire to when building their lineup in Franchise mode.
And rounding out this trio is the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year, Gunnar Henderson. Drafted 42nd overall in 2019, Gunnar quickly climbed the ranks within the Orioles’ system, making his MLB debut in late 2022. Fast forward to 2023, and he topped MLB’s list of Top 100 prospects. As a foundational part of the Orioles’ young line-up, Gunnar was a key player in getting the team back to the postseason after a seven-year drought. He took home the AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger awards, and in 2024, he played in the All-Star Game and showed off his skills in the Home Run Derby. MLB The Show fans are sure to relate to Gunnar’s quest for dominance in the competitive scene.
For those eager to stay in the loop, make sure you’re signed up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report. This will keep you tuned into all the latest features, updates, and legendary content rolling into MLB The Show 25, with awesome rewards to match. Starting in April 2025, subscribers will get a unique pack each month until December 2025, loaded with fantastic in-game prizes. The ever-popular Golden Ticket Sweepstakes is also back, giving fans a chance every month to win prizes like Packs, Stubs, signed merchandise from Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Paul Skenes, and even more surprises. Don’t miss out—be sure to sign up at theshow.com!
As you’re setting up, don’t forget to create your MLB The Show account, laying the groundwork for Opening Day. MLB The Show 25 lets you seamlessly switch between platforms while keeping all your cards intact. Simply create your account, link it with your platform accounts, and you’re good to go.
We’re also excited to announce the launch date for MLB The Show 25: March 18, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Bear in mind, it won’t be available on platform subscription services in 2025. But if you’re eager to jump in early, Early Access starts on March 14 for those who pick up the Digital Deluxe Edition.
Make sure you set a reminder for February 4 at 9:00 AM PST—that’s when we’ll unveil our first Gameplay Trailer on San Diego Studio and MLB The Show’s social media channels. There’s also a lot more to look forward to, with weekly feature reveals including in-depth trailers featuring Robert Flores from MLB Network, and more Feature Premieres coming straight from the team at San Diego Studio.
Pre-orders for both the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions will kick off on February 4 at 6:00 AM PST on theshow.com, various platform stores, and participating retailers.
Stay updated on all things MLB The Show by visiting TheShow.com, signing up for The Scouting Report, and following our accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram!
