MLB The Show 21 is out now, and this year's installment of the series may end up being one of the most important sports games of 2021.
There isn't just one MLB The Show 21 cover athlete, but two huge names getting that honor this year, and both played a key role as excitement builds towards launch.
Latest - Guides to improve your gameplay
If you're heading into a long Franchise Mode, chances are you'll be playing several games and important moments throughout the season.
If you've got some particular part of your gameplay that's lacking and needs improvement, we've got guides to help you fine tune and improve in those areas.
Check out our guides on hitting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning to improve your skills and pave the way to the World Series.
MLB The Show 21 Cover Athlete
The MLB The Show 21 cover athlete this year will be none other than Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres.
click to enlarge
+ 3For the first time in years, MLB The Show 21 will not be a PlayStation exclusive game, which means Tatis Jr. will be on the cover of PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S versions.
Fernando Tatis Jr. makes perfect sense as the MLB The Show 21 cover athlete, as sports games love to put an up-and-coming young name on the front of the box.
Tatis Jr. certainly fits this bill and is seen by many as baseball's next big superstar.
Fernando Tatis Jr Trailer
Deluxe Edition Cover Athlete
The Deluxe Edition cover athlete is none other than pioneering MLB legend Jackie Robinson.
click to enlarge + 3Robinson was the first-ever African American to play in the MLB in the modern era, and claimed the first ever Rookie of the Year award.
The Brooklyn Dodger was an All-Star for six straight seasons and was the first black player to win the National League's MVP award.
There will be three Deluxe Editions of MLB The Show 21 - all graced by Robinson.
For more info about the various editions head here.
Jackie Robinson Trailer
The reveal of Jackie Robinson as the cover athlete for the Deluxe Editions of MLB The Show 21 also came with a trailer highlighting his legacy and why this choice is so perfect.
Release Date
MLB The Show 21 has now been confirmed for Tuesday, 20 April.
If you pre order one of the Deluxe Editions you can get playing from Friday, 16 April.
Platforms
For the first time ever, MLB The Show 21 is arriving on Xbox consoles!
Thanks to this addition, crossplay also arrives on the platform for the very first time.
click to enlarge + 3The rumor mill has gone into overdrive over a potential Nintendo Switch version, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
There's no news on whether the title could be coming to PC either.
Price & Pre Orders
MLB The Show 21 is already able to pre order, with pre-downloads already live on Xbox.
The Standard Edition on Current Gen consoles (PS4 & Xbox One) costs $59.99 / £59.99,
The Standard Edition on Next Gen consoles (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S) costs $69.99 / £69.99.
The three Deluxe Editions are as follows:
- Jackie Robinson Deluxe Edition - $99.99
- Digital Deluxe Edition - $99.99
- The Jackie Robinson Edition - $84.99