MLB enthusiasts can't contain their excitement as the cover athletes for the highly anticipated MLB The Show 25 have seemingly been revealed through social media antics of three of the league's most electrifying young stars—Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Paul Skenes. Each player has put forth their claim to be featured on the game’s cover, sparking curiosity and anticipation for the game, set to release later this year.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, known for his blazing speed and extraordinary talent, has been at the forefront of this buzz. He confirmed his cover status through a vibrant social media video. “What's up my people, this is Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds and I'm excited to be on the cover of MLB The Show 25,” he said, adding humor and confidence with his declaration: “You already know I'mma beat everyone.” His enthusiasm is palpable, and with good reason—De La Cruz is not only one of the most exciting players but also made history with his exceptional performances during the 2024 season.
Right on his heels is Baltimore Orioles’ shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who followed suit by adding his own playful challenge. Henderson stated, “What's up everyone? I heard Elly was gonna be on the cover of MLB The Show 25. But I thought it was supposed to be me. So Elly, call me.” This exchange not only contributes to the lighthearted competition between the players but also builds anticipation about the final selection for the cover.
Joining this captivating narrative is Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes, who made yet another claim to the cover athlete title. “What's up, this is Paul Skenes. Gunnar, Elly, I heard you guys are claiming the cover of The Show and I just want to let you know the cover's mine. So let's settle this before the cover drops.” This interaction reflects not just their camaraderie but also the competitive spirit each young player brings to the table.
While the trio are making headlines for their claims, the actual cover design and final decision by San Diego Studio remains undetermined. Each of these young stars has made remarkable achievements on the field, showcasing why they're all worthy of the cover. De La Cruz shined last season, achieving 25 home runs and stealing 67 bases, marking him as the first shortstop to attain 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases within one season—an impressive feat!
Gunnar Henderson, who won the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, built on his success by smashing 37 homers and finishing with a .281 batting average during the 2024 season, showcasing his stellar growth. Meanwhile, Skenes has proven to be one of the most dominant pitchers, with his 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings solidifying his spot as one of the game’s premier talents.
Regardless of how they end up featuring on the cover, the prospect of any combination of these athletes representing MLB The Show is already making waves within the gaming community. Fans have craved the excitement and vitality these players bring to the game, and the prospect of them sharing the spotlight adds to the allure surrounding the release.
MLB The Show has always prided itself on reflecting the pulse of modern baseball, and what could be more indicative of its future than featuring these young stars who represent the next generation of talent? With animated performances, leadership on the diamond, and fan engagement, their presence on the cover would be more than just promotional art; it would symbolize the blossoming excitement surrounding Major League Baseball.
So, as fans await the official word from San Diego Studio on who will grace the cover of MLB The Show 25, one thing is certain: regardless of the outcome, the anticipation is at its peak, with Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Paul Skenes at the heart of it all—representing not just their teams but the thrilling future of baseball itself.
The baseball community eagerly awaits more than just the big reveal of who will appear on MLB The Show 25; they are excited for what these young talents symbolize for the game's future. The cover announcement is more than just about art—it reflects the aspirations, skills, and promise of the very best players who are poised to take MLB to greater heights.