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

In the gaming world, 2025 marks a special year as MLB The Show hits its 20th anniversary. That’s two decades of capturing the magic, excitement, and evolution of baseball for fans everywhere. To celebrate this milestone, San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios have outdone themselves in MLB The Show 25 by featuring not just one, but three cover athletes. Rising stars Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson grace the cover, representing the future of baseball and honoring the franchise’s rich legacy.

Paul Skenes’ story is a fascinating tale of talent and perseverance. Starting off strong in high school, he made a name for himself in college by clinching a national championship. His prowess on the field caught the eye of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who picked him as their No. 1 overall choice in the 2023 MLB Draft. Remarkably, just a year later, he became the first draft-year player ever to start in the All-Star Game. 2024 was truly his year with a National League Rookie of the Year win and a spot on the All-MLB First Team. His journey echoes the Road to the Show mode, where players can blaze their own trail to the big leagues.

Elly De La Cruz, another standout, offers a narrative of rapid ascent. Debuting with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023, Elly quickly made a mark with his dynamic play. Known for his speed and impressive arm strength, he became one of the youngest ever to hit for the cycle. Fans of Franchise mode will appreciate his versatile switch-hitting abilities and extraordinary five-tool skills, which make him a prime pick for any lineup. An All-Star by 2024, Elly is clearly on a trajectory toward greatness.

Completing this trio of emerging talent is Gunnar Henderson, 2023’s American League Rookie of the Year. Drafted by the Orioles in 2019, he quickly climbed the ranks from the farm system to the spotlight. By 2023, he was already a pivotal player for the Orioles, helping lead them to their first postseason in seven years while earning esteemed accolades like the Silver Slugger Award. Gunnar’s growth exemplifies what every MLB The Show player aspires to achieve in their virtual careers.

For fans eager to stay in the loop, signing up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report is a must. Subscribers gain insights into new features and content, plus the chance to earn exclusive rewards each month from April to December 2025. And, don’t forget about the return of the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes, offering monthly prizes such as sports memorabilia and in-game goodies.

To prepare for the action, set up your MLB The Show account and ensure your gaming setup allows cross-platform play, so you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience wherever you play.

We’re thrilled to announce that MLB The Show 25 will officially release on March 18, 2025, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The Digital Deluxe Edition offers early access starting March 14. Get ready for February 4 at 9:00 AM PST when we’ll unveil the first gameplay trailer, followed by weekly feature reveals and deep dives with MLB Network host Robert Flores.

Mark February 4 as a significant date for pre-orders, opening bright and early at 6:00 AM PST. Stay updated with the latest on MLB The Show by visiting TheShow.com and connecting with us on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Remember, an internet connection is key for advanced features and cross-platform progression, with each platform requiring its own game copy and linked accounts. It’s a grand slam of a year for MLB The Show, so make sure you’re part of the action!