As the 2026 season draws closer, it brings with it the latest installment in the “MLB The Show” franchise from video game developer San Diego Studio.
MLB The Show 26, the 21st iteration of the series, features New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge reprising his role as the cover athlete. It marks the first time in the franchise’s history that an athlete has appeared on the cover multiple times.
The three-time American League MVP first appeared on the cover of MLB The Show 18 following a breakout rookie season in which he won AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in MVP voting.
That season, Judge led the AL in home runs (52), runs scored (128), and walks (127). Those results broke several records, including most home runs hit by a Yankees rookie, surpassing Mark McGwire’s single-season rookie home run record and setting a new major-league rookie record for walks.
BREAKING: Captain America has arrived 🫡
Aaron Judge is your cover athlete for @MLBTheShow 26! pic.twitter.com/e71cprIQsA
— MLB (@MLB) January 27, 2026
The cover for MLB The Show 26 is an encapsulation of Judge’s baseball career, and also highlights his upcoming debut for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Judge was named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic back in April. He succeeds Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, who occupied that role for the United States baseball team in the 2023 WBC.
The Yankees’ outfielder earned his second cover selection after yet another excellent season in 2025. He led the Majors with a 204 wRC+ en route to a second-consecutive AL MVP award and Silver Slugger.
How to preorder MLB The Show 26
Pre-orders for all editions of MLB The Show 26 begin on Feb. 3, 2026, at participating retailers and platform stores.
Pre-order bonuses have yet to be officially announced, but they typically entail early access, card packs for the game’s Diamond Dynasty mode, and virtual currency.
MLB The Show 26 is set for release on March 17, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. Early Access for the game begins on March 13 for those who purchase a deluxe edition of the game.
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