MLB The Show 26 aims to create a baseball experience that resonates with everyone from longtime veterans of the franchise to brand-new players picking up the game for the first time.

Gameplay continues to focus on delivering the most authentic on-field baseball experience, advanced logic and new data metrics, redefining ratings, pitch effects, and bat-ball physics.

To name a few examples: new catches on the run allow fielders to cover bases in a more realistic and efficient way. New, more efficient cutoff throws enable corner infielders to get rid of the ball more naturally while cutting down runners trying to take an extra base. Knee-down catchers now have a full arsenal of new animations to support smarter and more realistic actions. Pop time for catchers is now its own attribute, helping separate the best from the rest. Using real-life data metrics, Fielders Reaction rating is now split into four directional attributes instead of just one.

New defensive catch animations are being added that allow players to make plays on balls using true-to-life physics across all surface types and walls.

This year, MLB The Show is all about leaving your mark like never before. More than any single game, it’s about The Journey. It starts by putting in the hard work in high school, with a continuous drive to be better than the day before and a hunger for a Hall of Fame career. That drive was top of mind throughout the development of this year’s game, which is why San Diego Studio and MLB The Show are proud to welcome back 3x American League MVP, Aaron Judge.

His journey has taken him from high school to college, then the minors to the majors, and on to the world stage. We’ve mirrored the same journey in our game, striving to create the most authentic MLB experience outside of actually being on the field.

Aaron continues to rewrite history. He was our cover athlete in 2018, after a record-breaking rookie year in 2017. He’s now a 3-time AL MVP, 7-time All-Star, 5-time Silver Slugger award winner, AL single-season home run record holder with 62 homers, and the 2026 Team USA World Baseball Classic Captain.

These are just a few highlights from his long list of achievements, and Aaron’s performances have not only inspired players on the diamond, but athletes and fans around the world. We’re excited to have him back as the cover athlete of MLB The Show 26. It’s now up to you; how will you leave your mark?

Check back next week, on February 3, to see our gameplay trailer featuring everything new we have in store for ‘26. We’ve got updates on the features you know and love, plus a few special surprises.

The World Baseball Classic Tournament returns to Diamond Dynasty

This year’s cover features Aaron Judge in his Team USA World Baseball Classic uniform, so  stay tuned to learn more about what this means for Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 26.

• Pre-orders for the Standard Edition and *Digital Deluxe Editions open on February 3, 2026 at 12 pm EST/ 9 am PST on TheShow.com, platform stores, and participating retailers.
• Purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition gives you 4 days of Early Access starting on March 13, 2026.
• Starting March 17, the Standard Edition of MLB The Show 26 is fully available.

Take control as the GM of your favorite MLB team and lead your squad to baseball greatness in the revamped Front Office Experience in Franchise mode. A brand-new trade experience, improved lineup and rotation logic, along with a streamlining of Franchise let you lead your team your way in MLB The Show 26.

Lineups are now more realistic and take into account modern baseball methodology and advanced analytics. Players with high OBP (On Base %) will leadoff more often with the best hitter on the team hitting in the 2 hole. Our logic now incorporates performance, as the season progresses and teams will shuffle their lineups based on the players performance on the “virtual field.”

From last year’s introduction of the “Amateur Years” humble beginnings of a high school ball player to the ultimate payoff of getting that call up to the Majors, Road to the Show lets you experience all the trials and tribulations of a journey to the MLB. With 11 new colleges to choose from on top of those introduced in MLB The Show 25, a chance to play in the College World Series, and various updates to the existing career experience, MLB The Show 26 puts you in control of your future in Road to the Show.

MLB The Show 26 is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on March 17, 2026 (*Early access begins March 13) .