One of the biggest events in MLB for the gamer girls is officially here. On January 28, MLB announced that Paul Skenes, Gunnar Henderson, and Elly De La Cruz would headline the cover of MLB The Show 25. The trio of young stars lit up the Major Leagues in 2024, and are some of the brightest players of the present day.
For anyone unaware, MLB The Show is a video game that comes out annually, and highlights some of the biggest players in the sport. Fans are able to play as their favorite athletes, and build a team. The 2025 edition of the game marks the 20th release, and will come out on March 18.
In honor of the announcement, fans are taking the time to compare this year's cover to some of the best in recent memory. Here are my top 10 MLB The Show covers from the last 20 years.
10. MLB The Show 2009 - Dustin Pedroia
Courtesy of IGN.com
Beginning the list at number 10 is Dustin Pedroia’s cover in 2009. This cover is one of the most simple, yet the background of Fenway Park really sets the mood for the game.
9. MLB The Show 2015 - Yasiel Puig
Courtesy of Metacritic.com
Next at number nine is Yasiel Puig’s cover from 2015. Similar to Pedroia’s cover, this cover features Puig and a background of Dodger Stadium. The simplicity and the stadium background in black and white puts Puig in the forefront, and really highlights the cover athlete.
8. MLB The Show 2018 - Aaron Judge
Courtesy of MLB.com
At number eight is Aaron Judge’s cover from 2018. While this cover is also super simple, it really highlights Judge after his massive rookie campaign the year before.
7. MLB The Show 2024 - Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Courtesy of Playstation Blog
Next at number seven is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s cover from 2024. While I’m not as big of a fan of this cover compared to the other covers from the last few years, I really enjoy how fun this cover is. I love how the cover pays homage to Guerrero Jr.’s Dominican heritage, as well as recognizing his Canadian roots.
6. MLB The Show 2016 - Josh Donaldson
Courtesy of IGN.com
The 2016 cover from Josh Donaldson comes in at number six. After years of doing black and white covers, the 2016 cover brought a colorful stadium background. I really like how they kept with the blue theme, connecting with Donaldson’s Toronto Blue Jays uniform.
5. MLB The Show 2023 - Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Courtesy of MLBTheShow.com
At number five is Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s cover from 2023. MLB did a great job with matching the background colors to the Miami Marlins uniform, bringing a fun vibe to the cover. Chisholm’s vibrant personality also keeps the vibes high.
4. MLB The Show 2006 - David Ortiz
Courtesy of IGN.com
Next at number four is the original cover of MLB The Show, with David Ortiz on the cover. Although it’s certainly the least polished cover of the 10 ranked, the fact that it is the original cover makes it all the more iconic. The black and white action shots of Ortiz in the back are also a great touch.
3. MLB The Show 2017 - Ken Griffey Jr.
Courtesy of IGN.com
The 2017 cover featuring Ken Griffey Jr. comes in at number three. Instead of going with a current player, MLB decided to showcase legend Griffey Jr. on the cover. The simplicity of this cover, along with his iconic stance adorning the middle, makes for such an enticing visual. The title of the game being in gold instead of white or blue also adds a great touch.
2. MLB The Show 2022 - Shohei Ohtani
Courtesy of MLBTheShow.com
Coming in second place is Shohei Ohtani’s cover from 2022. Although fans already know how influential and iconic Ohtani is all over the world, the fact that the cover features his signature in both Japanese and English letters only confirms this idea. I love how this cover uses pictures in the background in red, and also showcases Ohtani pitching and hitting.
1. MLB The Show 2021 - Fernando Tatís Jr.
Courtesy of MLBTheShow.com
Taking the top spot is Fernando Tatís Jr.’s cover from 2021. Coming off of an electric 2020 shortened season, Tatís Jr. was one of the faces of MLB. The cover featuring his iconic bat flip along with a very visually pleasing blue makes it my favorite.
Edited by Giana Robertaccio
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