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

In 2025, MLB The Show is hitting a major milestone, celebrating its 20th anniversary. For twenty years, this iconic game has intertwined baseball’s rich history with groundbreaking innovations, delighting fans across the globe. To commemorate this special anniversary, San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios have gone all out with MLB The Show 25. For the first time, the game will feature not one, but three cover athletes: Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson. These emerging talents are not just today’s stars—they represent the promising future of baseball that MLB The Show has celebrated over the past two decades.

Paul Skenes’ path to stardom was impressive, beginning with his high school days and continuing through college, where he secured his place as an outstanding pitcher. After clinching a national championship, he was the top pick for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft. The following year, Skenes made history as the first player to start the MLB All-Star Game just a year after being drafted. Wrapping up a stellar 2024 with the National League Rookie of the Year title and a spot on the All-MLB First Team, his journey mirrors the dream pathway of Road to the Show, where players can carve their journey to greatness.

Elly De La Cruz’s rapid ascent to fame paints a vivid picture of ambition, climbing from minor league roots to a dazzling major league debut. Since stepping onto the Major League scene in 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds, Elly has been electrifying. He’s achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle as one of the youngest players in MLB history. His speed and powerful arm have earned him recognition as a promising star. A 2024 All-Star, De La Cruz showcases a remarkable five-tool skillset and switch-hitting prowess—qualities that MLB The Show fans aspire to in their ultimate Franchise mode shortstop creation.

Completing this talented trio is Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year. Drafted 42nd overall in 2019, he rose quickly through the ranks of the Orioles’ farm system and debuted in the MLB in the 2022 season. Heading into 2023, he was ranked the #1 prospect on MLB’s Top 100 list. In his first major league season, he became a key player for the Orioles, helping them reach the postseason after a seven-year drought. His exceptional performance grabbed the AL Rookie of the Year and a Silver Slugger Award. In 2024, he continued to shine, landing a spot in the All-Star Game and a chance in the Home Run Derby. Gunnar’s story deeply resonates with MLB fans who dream of excelling in head-to-head matches in MLB The Show.

If you’re a fan of the franchise, be sure to sign up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report to keep up with the latest features, updates, and legends coming to MLB The Show 25. Subscribers will enjoy exclusive monthly packs from April through December 2025, filled with fantastic in-game rewards. Plus, the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes returns, offering winners monthly prizes like packs, stubs, and autographed items from our celebrated cover athletes, alongside many other surprises. You definitely don’t want to miss out, so sign up today at theshow.com!

While there, set up your MLB The Show account in anticipation of Opening Day. MLB The Show 25 offers seamless platform switching, allowing you to maintain access to all your cards across devices. Simply create your MLB The Show account, then log in with your platform account and link it to your new account. You’re good to go!

Mark your calendars because MLB The Show 25 is set to launch on March 18, 2025, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. However, it will not be available on platform subscription services in 2025. For those eager to jump in early, Early Access kicks off on March 14 for Digital Deluxe Edition purchasers.

Don’t miss the first look at our gameplay trailer, premiering on February 4 at 9:00 AM PST on San Diego Studio and MLB The Show’s social media. Brace yourself for weekly feature reveals, including deep dives with MLB Network’s Robert Flores and Feature Premieres from the development team at San Diego Studio.

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

For all things MLB The Show, visit TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow us on our official X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.

Remember, an internet connection is necessary to access these features. Cross-platform progression requires an active connection, a copy of MLB The Show 25 compatible with your console, and a linked platform network account.