Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson – Featured on PlayStation.Blog

In a thrilling tribute to its legacy, MLB The Show is all set to commemorate its 20th anniversary in 2025. This incredible milestone celebrates two decades filled with rich baseball history, cutting-edge innovation, and countless cherished moments for fans around the globe. To honor this special occasion, San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios have pulled out all the stops, featuring three exceptional athletes on the cover for the first time ever—Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson. These talented stars are not just icons in the making; they perfectly embody the future of baseball, reflecting the glorious past of MLB The Show’s legendary cover athletes over 20 years.

Paul Skenes’ story is one for the ages. Starting his journey in high school, he further honed his skills in college, gaining a reputation as one of the top young pitchers by clinching a national championship. His prowess caught the eye of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who snapped him up as the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. In a short time, Skenes made his MLB debut, becoming a trailblazer as the first player in history to start an All-Star Game just one year after being drafted. His meteoric rise continued in 2024, bagging the National League Rookie of the Year title and earning a spot on the All-MLB First Team. He’s the epitome of the dream journey featured in Road to the Show, inviting players to chart their own path to greatness.

Elly De La Cruz is a sensation who has taken the baseball world by storm. His extraordinary leap from the minors to becoming a big league sensation with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 has been nothing short of electrifying. Known for his radiant speed and impressive arm, Elly is already making headlines as one of the youngest players to hit for the cycle. His dynamic style, featuring an exemplary five-tool skillset and switch-hitting prowess, is exactly what fans of MLB The Show envision for their perfect shortstop in Franchise mode.

Finally, completing this powerhouse lineup is Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year. Drafted 42nd in 2019, Gunnar’s ascent through the ranks of the Orioles’ farm system led to his MLB debut in late 2022. By 2023, he was crowned the #1 prospect on MLB’s Top 100 list. Gunnar’s first full season made waves, as he became an essential piece of the Orioles’ youthful core, propelling the team to its first postseason in seven years. His accolades didn’t stop there; he also took home a Silver Slugger Award. Gunnar’s journey resonates deeply with MLB The Show fans who live for the thrill of dominating head-to-head in their pursuit of baseball greatness.

For those eager to stay ahead of the game, signing up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report is a must. It’s your ticket to the latest insights on features, updates, and an exclusive peek at the legends coming to MLB The Show 25—all while unlocking fantastic rewards! Starting in April 2025, subscribers will receive a monthly unique pack filled with incredible in-game rewards, right through to December. Not forgetting the exciting Golden Ticket Sweepstakes making a comeback in 2025, where monthly winners can score amazing prizes. From Packs and Stubs to exclusive autographed memorabilia from the cover stars, plus a slew of surprises yet to be revealed—you’ll not want to miss out.

As you gear up for this exciting new chapter, remember to set up your MLB The Show account. This will enable you to keep your card inventory intact as you switch seamlessly between platforms. Head over, create your account, link it to your platform account, and you’ll be ready to dive in.

Circle March 18, 2025, on your calendar—that’s when MLB The Show 25 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. It’s worth noting that the game won’t feature on platform subscription services next year. However, if you grab the Digital Deluxe Edition, Early Access kicks off on March 14.

Make sure to catch the first look at our Gameplay Trailer dropping on February 4 at 9:00 AM PST across San Diego Studio and MLB The Show social channels. We’ll be rolling out more exciting weekly feature reveals, with Trailer Deep Dives hosted by MLB Network’s Robert Flores, and Feature Premieres from the talented folks at San Diego Studio.

Pre-orders for both the Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions open on February 4 at 6:00 AM PST on theshow.com, various platform stores, and through participating retailers.

For the freshest updates and insider scoops on MLB The Show, be sure to visit TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Remember, an internet connection is required for cross-platform progression. Each platform will need a compatible version of the MLB The Show 25 game, sold separately, and a linked network account to access.