MLB The Show 21 is only days away from release, 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 have played a key role as excitement builds towards launch.
Latest - Fernando Tatis Jr might return when Early Access launches
In a moment of serendipitous timing, Fernando Tatis Jr might be ready to return very soon from an injury previously feared to be season-ending.
MLB The Show 21 Cover Star Tatis went down with a left shoulder injury just last week, and had to leave the game where the Padres ultimately lost to the San Francisco Giants.
Fortunately for Tatis, it looks like they're just being cautious at the moment and Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting he could be back as soon as this Friday.
That would put Fernando Tatis Jr. back on the field the same day that MLB The Show 21 goes live with Early Access, which is all too perfect.
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.
For 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.
Robinson 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.
The 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