A recent Tuesday bore witness to the unveiling of the newest promo for MLB The Show 25, shedding light on minor league talents in an unexpected development. The latest installment of the well-loved video game franchise has chosen to highlight minor league stars, namely, Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles. The trio are the chosen cover athletes for this year’s edition and were showcased wearing their minor league garbs as part of the game’s ‘Road to the Show’ mode.
‘Road to the Show’ stands as one of the most appreciated elements of the game. This feature allows players to craft a unique storyline, ushering their custom character through every stage of their baseball career, from their early high school days, through college competitions, into the minor leagues, and ultimately to their debut in the majors. It offers a unique glimpse into the background work and persistence required to cement one’s place in the majestic world of major league baseball.
Skenes put up a stellar performance in his rookie season, locking in an 11-3 score and an enviable 1.96 ERA in 2024. Marking down 170 strikeouts in merely 133.0 innings, he’s surely a force to reckon with in 2025. This former No. 1 draft pick made a remarkable entry into the majors in May, after a brief but noteworthy stint in the minor leagues.
Skenes, along with Jared Jones, symbolizes hope for the Pirates and their devoted fan base. His eye-catching performance, supported by an impressive upper-90s fastball and his signature ‘splinker’, made him the epitome of future optimism for the club. Skenes was even given the honor to start for the National League in the mid-season All-Star Game, cementing his growing renown.
Adding to his significant contributions in his rookie year, Skenes was both the recipient of the National League Rookie of the Year Award and a contender for the prestigious National League Cy Young. He was further touted as the favorite to clinch the Cy Young award this year in the NL, indicative of the high expectations that lie ahead.
Though the spotlight isn’t all on Skenes. De La Cruz, a shining beacon in the realm of quicksilver base stealing, led the league in 2024 with a total of 67 stolen bases. There was a moment when it seemed he might even hit the 100-stolen-bases mark. This speed demon also showcased a power-packed performance at the batting end, proving his dual threat capabilities.
In addition to his iron-clad base running skills, De La Cruz demonstrated his hard-hitting knack, smacking 25 home runs and recording a .259 average. Providing a balanced offensive approach, he defied expectations and contributed heavily to the Cincinnati Reds’ efforts, who, despite their best efforts, finished fourth in the National League Central last season.
Then, there’s Henderson, another noteworthy figure whose contributions during last season’s campaign is not to be overlooked. He hammered an impressive .281 average, lit up the scoreboard with 37 homers and drove in 92 runners to bring the Baltimore Orioles back to the postseason for a consecutive year.
On March 18, fans will be able to take the virtual field with these exceptional stats and career narratives through MLB The Show 25. This immersive gaming experience is set to redefine player journey, capturing both the hardships and triumphs of minor and major league baseball.
Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros is also in the news. The former MVP is supposedly working on his skills in left field, suggesting an intriguing adjustment in position. This change is evident that even players of Altuve’s calibre aren’t hesitant to adapt for the betterment of their performance or the overall team structure.
In other major league news, JD Martinez, a former World Champion with the Boston Red Sox, is far from hanging his gloves. While it seems that his future on-field contributions are still under wraps, the certainty of his subsequent career move is far from uncertain.
Meanwhile, Christopher Morel finds himself as part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ plans for this year. Morel, who joined the ranks of the Rays last summer, is set to kickstart the 2025 season as the team’s starting left fielder. This transition illustrates the continual player movement and tactical shifts that occur behind the scenes.
Every player’s journey, from the likes of seasoned players like Altuve and Martinez witnessing new chapters in their careers, to vigorous rookies like Skenes, De La Cruz, and Henderson stepping up to make their marks, will be captured in detail in the latest installation of MLB The Show.
Set against the backdrop of the meticulously simulated stadiums and roaring virtual crowds, the narrative-driven ‘Road to The Show’ will invigorate fans around the globe. It promises to deliver a thorough immersion into the intricacies and the thrill of major league baseball, blurring the lines between the real and the digital.
All in all, whether it’s about adding more depth into the gameplay through the inclusion of minor league players, or the attempt to humanize the professional sport experience digitally, MLB The Show 25 seems equipped to offer a unique and enthralling gaming experience. Mark your calendars for March 18.