The MLB The Show franchise has long been a favorite of online gamers, and the release of MLB The Show 2025 marks a new milestone in that celebration. This year’s cover athletes bring fresh energy and excitement to the game, featuring three of the most promising young stars in Major League Baseball. For the first time ever, the game will be headlined by Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson—players whose electric performances and rapid rise through the ranks have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
With the MLB’s talent pool brimming with dynamic young players, it’s no surprise that MLB The Show 2025 has chosen to spotlight these emerging stars, each of whom represents a new wave of baseball talent ready to take the league by storm. Their inclusion on the cover is not just about their skill on the field, but also about the promise they hold in the sport’s evolving landscape.
Let’s dive into what makes these players so special and why they’ve earned the honor of gracing the cover of one of the most beloved baseball video game franchises in the world.
Paul Skenes, a pitching prodigy who exploded onto the scene after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, represents the new face of pitching in baseball. Known for his overpowering fastball, which consistently hits triple digits, and his devastating off-speed pitches, Skenes’ combination of velocity and control has made him one of the most exciting young pitchers to watch in recent memory.
In 2024, Skenes wasted no time proving he belonged in the big leagues. He earned a spot in the Pirates’ rotation and quickly established himself as one of the most feared pitchers in the game. His poise, intelligence, and ability to dominate hitters from the mound have drawn comparisons to some of the best in the business.
In an era dominated by strikeouts, pitchers like Skenes are rewriting what it means to be a franchise cornerstone. His presence on the cover marks a new era for pitching in the MLB and highlights how dominant arms are shaping the future of the sport.
If there’s one player who has taken the MLB by storm in recent seasons, it’s Elly De La Cruz. The Cincinnati Reds’ phenom is a physical marvel, combining speed, power, and elite defensive ability in a way that few have ever done. Standing at 6’5" and weighing in at 200 pounds, De La Cruz moves like a player much smaller than his frame would suggest. His speed on the basepaths is jaw-dropping, and he’s become known for not just stealing bases but for stealing headlines with his highlight-reel plays.
De La Cruz’s 2024 season saw him break out as one of the most dynamic players in the league, hitting for both power and average, while flashing elite range at shortstop. In addition to his incredible bat speed and power, he’s also developed into one of the most exciting young defenders in baseball. His rare combination of physical tools and baseball IQ has already drawn comparisons to Hall of Famers, and he's widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the game today.
De La Cruz’s inclusion as a cover athlete for MLB The Show 2025 is a nod to the new era of “five-tool” players—athletes who can do it all. His thrilling style of play and ability to change the game with a single swing or a stolen base perfectly embody the type of player that makes modern baseball so exciting. For fans who love watching the game’s most athletic and exciting players take over, De La Cruz is the perfect representation of what MLB The Show is all about.
Another rising star who has captivated fans with his impressive skill set is Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles. Henderson is a versatile talent, capable of playing both third base and shortstop at an elite level, while also providing tremendous power and batting average from the left side of the plate. His swing is smooth, and his ability to consistently make hard contact makes him one of the most well-rounded hitters in the game today.
Henderson made his big league debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the most advanced hitters for his age. His potential to be an MVP-caliber player is evident, with some analysts predicting he could develop into one of the faces of the league over the next decade. With his combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive prowess, Henderson represents the future of the modern MLB: a player who excels in all facets of the game and can impact the game in multiple ways.
The release of MLB The Show 2025 is set to be a game-changer for the franchise. With Skenes, De La Cruz, and Henderson leading the charge on the cover, players can expect a game that reflects the modern evolution of baseball—faster, more athletic, and more dynamic. This year's game will be the first to be only available on next-gen consoles for the franchise, which promises to feature new and improved mechanics that allow fans to experience the unique abilities of these three stars up close and personal, from Skenes’ overpowering pitching to De La Cruz’s blazing speed and Henderson’s smooth swing.
Fans can expect updated player models that reflect the true athleticism of these rising stars, as well as a host of new features. Enhanced graphics, realistic player movements, and a deeper career mode will give players the opportunity to step into the shoes of Skenes, De La Cruz, or Henderson, or even create their own future MLB superstar.
With its focus on young talent, MLB The Show 2025 not only captures the essence of the current MLB but also foreshadows the exciting future that lies ahead. The selection of Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson as cover athletes represents a shift in how the game of baseball is perceived, emphasizing athleticism, versatility, and excitement. These players are not just stars of today—they are the stars of tomorrow.
As MLB The Show 2025 hits the shelves, fans of all ages will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of these incredible athletes and experience firsthand what makes them the future of the sport.
