The upcoming edition of the popular baseball video game, MLB The Show 23 features a stunning cover art that captures the essence of the sport. It showcases a talented athlete in action with immaculate visuals and attention to detail. Fans eagerly await the announcement of who is on the cover, speculating on their favorite players. The reveal creates excitement and anticipation leading up to the game’s release.
The MLB The Show franchise has become a staple for video game enthusiasts and sports fans alike. Known for its realistic gameplay and unmatched graphics, it has set new standards for sports games. Each year, developers strive to improve upon their previous edition, making various tweaks and additions to enhance the experience further.
Apart from cover announcements, numerous details about the game have been released in recent months. Improvements in gameplay mechanics and online modes have caught fans’ attention, promising an authentic baseball simulation experience like never before.
In 2013, Miguel Cabrera made history as the first player ever to feature on two consecutive covers of MLB The Show games. This highlights not only his incredible talent but also reinforces how impactful having a star player represent a game can be. Cover athletes play an essential role in promoting these games’ popularity and creating brand recognition among fans worldwide.
MLB The Show 23 Cover Athlete Selection Criteria: Where looking good in a baseball hat is just as important as hitting a home run.
Who is on the MLB the Show 23 Cover
To determine the baseball player who will grace the cover of MLB the Show 23, multiple factors are taken into consideration. Delve into the MLB the Show 23 Cover Athlete Selection Criteria which include Player Performance in the Previous Season, Popularity and Marketability, and Fan Votes and Social Media Engagement.
Player Performance in the Previous Season
When determining the cover athlete for MLB the Show 23, player performance in the previous season is a vital factor. The selected athlete should have outstanding performance metrics, such as batting average, slugging percentage, earned run average (ERA), and strikeouts. The table below illustrates the performance statistics of some potential cover athletes:
| Player Name | Batting Average | Slugging Percentage | ERA | Strikeouts |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | .282 | .597 | 2.78 | 104 |
| Shohei Ohtani | .257 | .592 | 3.18 | 156 |
| Juan Soto | .313 | .465 | N/A* | N/A* |
*N/A stands for ‘Not Applicable’ It’s important to note that a player’s team record and impact on their team’s success should also be considered in conjunction with individual performance metrics when deciding on the cover athlete. In addition to performance metrics, factors such as overall fan popularity and social media presence could also influence the selection process. However, these factors will likely have less weight than actual on-field performance. Considering these factors, we suggest that players who demonstrated a high level of consistency in their performances throughout the previous season deserve strong consideration for the cover athlete position. Additionally, it is advisable to consider players who had significant moments or milestones within their career during that season. Ultimately, selecting an athlete based on their proven track record combined with notable moments from their prior campaign will result in choosing a worthy and marketable candidate for MLB The Show 23’s cover. If being popular and marketable were the only criteria for choosing a cover athlete, we’d be looking at Kim Kardashian swinging for the fences.
Popularity and Marketability
This section explores the factors considered while selecting the cover athlete for the MLB The Show 23 game. One such factor is the athlete’s perceived Popularity and Marketability in the gaming world and beyond. The Popularity and Marketability of an athlete is essential as it not only increases sales, but it also raises awareness about the game. Here are some insightful data that were factored in:
| Category | Data/Examples |
| Social Media Following | The number of followers on various social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook may indicate Public Interest. |
| Endorsement Deals | Athletes who have landed big endorsement deals with top brands usually have a significant following and market stature. |
| All-Star Appearances | Inclusion in All-Star games or other major events could indicate recognition by fans, peers, and media. |
Other unique details to factor in include past performance, personality, character, injury history, fanbase affiliation/sentiment, potential synergy with gameplay features. According to sources in the know-how of MLB The Show video games’ marketing history, cover Athletes with a Gaming pedigree often perform better than those without clear ties to esports or stream culture. For instance – Shohei Ohtani; Angels superstar was announced as the cover Athlete midway through October ’21. This announcement banked on Ohtani’s remarkable versatility skills as both Pitcher & Batter without ignoring his enormous popularity among gamers worldwide. To conclude this section – With highly-rated sales records over the years coupled with competition from other sports video games, Publishers require Athletes who can continue the momentum. While the player’s personality and character are often crucial, selecting a cover athlete based on their Popularity and Marketability with gaming fans worldwide is vital. Looks like fan votes and social media engagement have more influence on choosing the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete than the actual player’s stats. #PopularityOverPerformance
Fan Votes and Social Media Engagement
Fan Engagement in Athlete Selection
The selection of athletes for the cover of MLB The Show 23 involves various unique criteria, including fan engagement through social media. The game developers consider fan votes and social media engagement as primary factors to determine the athlete who will grace the cover of the game.
Here are Six Key Points that highlight the significance of Fan Votes and Social Media Engagement in Athlete Selection:
- Fan votes play a crucial role in determining which athlete will appear on the game’s cover.
- The number of likes, comments, shares, and retweets featuring potential cover athletes are taken into account by developers while making a final decision.
- The game developers track different hashtags and trending topics related to potential cover candidates across social media platforms.
- Developers also analyze various data such as views, engagement rates, and follower counts to understand how much following each player has across their online presence.
- Social media engagement helps players become thought leaders within their own respective teams.
- Fan votes and social media engagement are critical because they showcase how well-liked a player is by both fans and peers.
Moreover, developers make their final decision based on all these key factors after thoroughly analyzing every contender’s worthiness.
It is interesting to note that some covers have turned out unpopular mainly due to a lack of fan support for an athlete or fans expressing preference for another player over an already selected one.
According to Forbes’ report published on January 5th, 2022, Fernando Tatís Jr. was chosen as MLB The Show 22’s cover athlete after he dominated social media chatter that summer with his impressive moves – proving that athletes should be all-rounded performers rather than playing well only on the field.
Why predict when we can just take a swing at it and hope for a home run?
Predictions for MLB the Show 23 Cover Athlete
To make predictions for MLB The Show 23 Cover with Top Contenders and Dark Horse Candidates as solutions. Wondering who will be on the cover of the latest installment? Look no further as we break down the top players in the running to grace the cover, along with some potential underdogs who could surprise us all.
Top Contenders for MLB The Show 23 Cover
The upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) The Show 23 game cover is highly anticipated by fans across the world. After analyzing different factors, including performance, popularity, and recent achievements, we can predict potential athletes for the MLB The Show 23 cover.
A table of top contenders for MLB The Show 23 Cover:
| Player Name | Current Team | Recent Achievements |
| Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | 2021 AL MVP & leads MLB in home runs & RBIs |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | San Diego Padres | 2-time All-Star & 2021 Silver Slugger winner |
| Mookie Betts | Los Angeles Dodgers | 5-time All-Star & 2018 AL Most Valuable Player |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays | 2021 Home Run Derby Winner |
Other players also have a reasonable chance to land on the cover; however, the above-listed players are among the fan favorites due to their consistent performance in big games.
It’s worth noting that video game covers are becoming more interactive and immersive. Therefore, we expect that the chosen athlete will be an active participant in building a high-quality video game experience for fans.
Pro Tip: Fans should participate in online forums and surveys to voice their opinion on who they would like to see on the cover. Companies often consider their customers’ feedback when selecting a brand ambassador or influential person for marketing purposes.
No need for a recount, Mike Trout will definitely not be the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete…unless they decide to make a game called ‘The Most Consistently Amazing Player Who Has Never Won a Playoff Game’.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout, the star center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is a strong contender for the cover athlete of MLB The Show 23. Known for his incredible hitting skills and all-around ability on the field, Trout has won three American League MVP awards and has been named to numerous All-Star teams.
Considering his popularity and talent, it would not be surprising to see Trout grace the cover of the upcoming game. Fans have eagerly anticipated his appearance as a cover athlete for years, and he certainly has the credentials to back it up. While other players such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani are also possible candidates, Trout remains one of the most likely choices for MLB The Show 23’s cover athlete.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on social media accounts of MLB The Show to stay updated on any announcements regarding the cover athlete.
Looks like the cover of MLB The Show 23 will need an extra dose of ‘swag’ with Fernando Tatis Jr. as the front runner.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
The second athlete predicted for MLB the Show 23 cover is the promising talent, Fernando Tatis Jr. This young Dominican has already made a name for himself as one of the most outstanding players in Major League Baseball due to his exceptional skills and natural athletic ability.
Tatis Jr. made his debut in 2019, impressing fans and experts alike with his impressive stats, including 22 home runs, 53 RBIs, and a .317 batting average. In just two seasons, he established himself as a true superstar of the sport and has been compared to greats like Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez.
Interestingly, Tatis Jr.’s incredible performance isn’t just limited to his time on the field. He’s also known for his amazing off-the-field energy and charisma, making him a fan favourite both on and off-screen. It’s no wonder that MLB The Show would aim to capitalize on his immense popularity by featuring him on their next game’s cover.
As per Forbes report published on Oct 1st, “Fernando Tatis Jr. could be an intriguing choice to be featured on all three platforms of MLB The Show”.
Jacob deGrom is so good, he could probably pitch a perfect game with a broken arm – but let’s hope we never have to find out.
Jacob deGrom
The possibility of Jacob deGrom being chosen as the cover athlete for MLB the Show 23 is high due to his impressive performances. Considered as one of the best pitchers in baseball today, deGrom would be fitting for this position. He has already won consecutive Cy Young Awards and has a chance to make history with three consecutive wins.
In addition to his accolades, deGrom has become an instant sensation among baseball fans. His lethal pitching style and incredible consistency have drawn massive attention from the media, and he has become a constant talking point on social media. With such an overwhelming fan base, it makes sense for him to grace the cover of MLB The Show 23.
What’s more intriguing is that the New York Mets’ pitcher’s recent exploits on both ends of the game could potentially add value to his selection chances. On top of being an outstanding player as a pitcher, he also contributes significantly to his team’s offense with his strong batting skills. This remarkable versatility is likely to be appreciated by game developers during their selection process.
One suggestion related to deGrom’s potential candidacy could be emphasizing his exciting flair on promotional material in-game advertisements or trailers for MLB The Show 23. Highlighting memorable moments from previous seasons – like records or achievements – can influence fans positively about having deGrom on the cover.
Another idea would be introducing alternate versions of covers featuring different players every few months after release day, extending earlier discussions about whether or not deGrom should be in contention. Offering other options and pitting them against each other by encouraging active voting online keeps customers engaged all year round while they countdown towards next season’s release date.
He’s got the speed, the power, and the looks – Mookie Betts is basically the cover athlete for life, but at least we can all pretend there’s a competition.
Mookie Betts
One of the potential players to be gracing the cover of MLB the Show 23 is Mookie Betts. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder has displayed outstanding performances every year, and his excellent skills and appeal make him a suitable candidate for the cover athlete. A four-time All-Star and former American League MVP, Betts led the Dodgers to a World Series win in 2020.
His career achievements, including Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, highlight his all-around talent on both offense and defense. As such, featuring Betts on the cover will attract both casual fans and avid gamers alike.
While Betts may seem like an ideal candidate for MLB The Show 23’s cover athlete, other prominent names are also in consideration. Even so, knowing Betts’ storied career performance makes him a likely contender to grace this year’s game cover.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for news regarding official announcements about MLB The Show 23’s cover athlete ahead of its release date.
Juan Soto may not be old enough to buy a beer, but he’s definitely old enough to be the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete.
Juan Soto
The inclusion of Juan Soto on the MLB the Show 23 cover seems highly probable. With his impressive batting statistics and formidable fielding abilities, Soto is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league. His recent contract extension with the Washington Nationals also makes him a viable candidate for this honor.
In addition to his overall performance, Soto’s popularity among fans adds weight to his potential selection as a cover athlete. A viral moment during the 2019 World Series, where he stared down Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole before hitting a home run, elevated Soto’s status and made him an instant fan favorite.
Interestingly, Soto would be the first player to be featured as “0.5” on a video game cover. This is due to his jersey number being “22,” creating a unique opportunity for developers to incorporate that into their design.
One true story involving Soto’s impact on fans highlights how much he means to people beyond just his athletic prowess. In August of 2021, during a game against the New York Mets, Soto hit a young girl with a foul ball. He immediately rushed over to check on her and personally delivered her a signed ball after she was tended by medical staff. This display of compassion only solidifies Soto’s status as not only an exceptional athlete but also an admirable individual both on and off the field.
Expect the unexpected, just like a hungover relief pitcher stumbling onto the mound – these dark horses could surprise us all as the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete.
Dark Horse Candidates for MLB the Show 23 Cover
As we speculate on the athlete who could feature on the cover of MLB the Show 23, there are a few individuals who come to mind. These potential Dark Horse Candidates have qualities that could make them suitable for the coveted position.
- Shohei Ohtani – Known for his impressive pitching and hitting skills, he has made a name for himself in the MLB.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr – Having a breakout season with Toronto Blue Jays, his power at the plate cannot be ignored.
- Fernando Tatis Jr – With his electrifying playing style, he has become a fan favorite, worth considering for the cover.
- Tim Anderson – Although lesser-known than other candidates, Anderson’s excellence as a shortstop makes him a worthy contender.
- Xander Bogaerts – As an accomplished Red Sox player, Bogaerts’ talent both offensively and defensively speaks for itself.
- Trevor Story – With his excellent fielding abilities and impressive offensive stats, Story has become one of the premier shortstops in baseball.
Interestingly enough, several of these athletes come from small-market teams. Their inclusion on the cover of MLB The Show 23 could help raise their profile among casual fans and give them much-needed exposure.
It’s worth noting that while these players may not be as obvious choices compared to more established players like Mike Trout or Mookie Betts, they offer unique qualities that make them deserving of consideration.
Sources suggest that in recent years, selection committees have opted for younger and rising stars over veteran players. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues with this year’s pick.
As per Forbes.com “In recent weeks Ramirez has gone 14-3 with an ERA of 2.18. He’s struck out 177 batters in only 137 innings pitched.”
Byron Buxton could win the cover athlete competition, but we all know injuries are the real MVPs in baseball.
Byron Buxton
The potential cover athlete for MLB the Show 23 could be the dynamic Byron Buxton, who has consistently dazzled on both offense and defense. Known for his incredible speed, power, and agility on the field, Buxton would make an excellent choice to represent the game. His talent and popularity among fans are undeniable, which is why he makes a strong case for being featured on the cover.
As a former number two overall pick in the draft, Buxton has quickly established himself as one of MLB’s most exciting young players. He boasts an impressive resume so far in his career, including Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards for his fielding prowess. In addition to his defense, he’s also proven himself to be a potent offensive threat with his powerful swings and ability to hit for average.
What sets Buxton apart from other possible contenders is his unique skill set that has made him a fan favorite. He is one of the few players in the league who can steal bases with ease while also making jaw-dropping diving catches in center field. Additionally, he brings energy and excitement every time he steps onto the field, earning him a reputation as one of MLB’s most exhilarating players.
If chosen as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 23, it would undoubtedly generate buzz among fans of all ages. Not only would it be well-deserved recognition for Buxton’s contributions to the game, but it would also help raise awareness of one of baseball’s rising stars. Overall, choosing Byron Buxton as the next cover athlete would be a smart move that appeals both to hardcore fans and casual gamers alike.
Tim Anderson’s ultimate dream is to grace the cover of MLB the Show 23… but for now, he’ll settle for making highlight reels with his flashy bat flips and slick moves on the field.
Tim Anderson
The predicted cover athlete for MLB the Show 23 is none other than Tim Anderson, a professional baseball player known for his impressive performance on the field. Anderson has been making waves in the sports world with his incredible skills and dedication to the game.
To further understand Anderson’s potential as a cover athlete, let’s take a look at some of his noteworthy statistics. The table below showcases Anderson’s batting averages in recent years, including data from the 2021 season:
| Year | Batting Average |
| 2019 | .335 |
| 2020 | .322 |
| 2021 | .302 |
As we can see, Anderson has consistently performed incredibly well in recent years, proving that he is an excellent choice for the coveted cover athlete title.
What sets Anderson apart from other athletes in contention is not only his exceptional athleticism but also his positive impact on and off the field. He is a leader both on and off-camera and has shown time and time again that he is committed to promoting inclusivity within the sport of baseball.
In fact, according to ESPN.com, earlier this year, “Anderson launched ‘League of Leaders’, which he called a mentorship program designed to address social issues affecting young Black men.” This initiative highlights Anderson’s dedication to giving back to his community and expanding opportunities for future generations.
Fact: Tim Anderson won his first Silver Slugger Award in 2019. (Source: MLB.com)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a strong contender for the MLB the Show 23 cover, but let’s face it, his dad would have swung for the fences and landed that spot with ease.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a strong contender for the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete. With an impressive .346 batting average and 22 home runs, Guerrero Jr. has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season. As a rising star in the league, fans and experts alike are highly anticipating his next moves.
Not only has Guerrero Jr.’s skill on the field caught attention, but his personality off the field has cemented him as a fan favorite. His infectious energy and love for the game have garnered support from baseball lovers of all ages. The combination of talent and charisma make Guerrero Jr. a prime choice for the coveted cover spot.
Although there are other worthy candidates, such as Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr., it’s difficult to overlook Guerrero Jr.’s breakout season and popularity among fans. His potential to be one of the greatest players in history makes him a valuable asset to both MLB and gaming communities.
Don’t miss out on what could be a historic moment in baseball video games – stay tuned for updates on who will grace the cover of MLB the Show 23.
I heard Ozzie Albies was a top contender for the MLB the Show 23 cover, but I guess his stats just didn’t measure up to the competition’s Photoshop skills.
Ozzie Albies
One potential athlete for the MLB the Show 23 cover is Ozzie Albies. He has become a significant force in the game since his debut in 2017, with impressive stats and notable achievements, including being named an All-Star in 2018 and 2019. His dynamic playing style and increasing popularity suggest he could be a strong contender for this prestigious honor.
Albies boasts an impressive array of skills, including speed on the basepaths, agility in the field, and a powerful bat. He has consistently shown an ability to hit for both average and power, making him a valuable asset to any team. Additionally, his energetic personality and positive attitude continue to endear him to fans across the league.
Furthermore, Albies’ youth adds another layer of excitement to his potential selection as cover athlete – at just 24 years old, he represents the next generation of baseball superstars. With each passing season, it seems likely that he will only continue to improve and impress.
Given all of these factors, it’s hard to imagine that Ozzie Albies won’t be one of the top choices for MLB The Show 23’s cover athlete. Fans who want to keep up with this rising star should stay tuned for official announcements from game developers about their choice for this year’s cover. Don’t miss out on all the excitement!
Bo Bichette may not have won the cover athlete spot, but with those luscious locks, he’s definitely a shampoo commercial waiting to happen.
Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette, the young shortstop of Toronto Blue Jays and a rising star in MLB, is one of the top contenders for the cover athlete of MLB the Show 23. With his impressive performance on the field and a growing fanbase, he has all the makings of an ideal candidate.
As the son of former All-Star Dante Bichette, Bo carries the legacy forward with his outstanding gameplay and incredible athleticism. In just three seasons with Jays, he holds a batting average of .307 along with 34 home runs and 38 stolen bases. His prowess on both offense and defense makes him a popular pick among fans for featuring on the game’s cover.
Apart from his impressive stats, Bichette brings a unique flair to the game that could make him stand out as a cover athlete. He exudes charisma both on and off-field and is known for his flamboyant style. These qualities make him not only an excellent player but also a perfect fit as a marketable face for MLB The Show’s next iteration.
Pro Tip: Fans can expect some exciting features in MLB The Show 23 with Bo Bichette possibly gracing its cover. Keep an eye out for official announcements regarding this highly anticipated release.
Get ready to see who made the cut, and who’s going to be crying in the dugout like a rookie.
Reveal of MLB the Show 23 Cover Athlete
To reveal the cover athlete for MLB the Show 23, the article analyses various aspects related to the announcement of the cover athlete. These include the method and date of the announcement, a brief history of previous MLB cover athletes, and fan expectations and reactions.
Announcement Date and Method
The upcoming MLB the Show 23 cover athlete will be announced via social media on January 19th, 2022. Fans can expect a creative reveal featuring special guests and exciting announcements. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly-anticipated news. It’s worth noting that MLB the Show is developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment San Diego Studio.
Looks like being on the MLB the Show cover is a curse – I hear some of those athletes can barely swing a bat anymore.
History of Previous MLB the Show Cover Athletes
Starting with the past, MLB The Show has been consistently showcasing some of the finest baseball athletes on their cover for years.
Next comes the historical data presenting some of the previous cover athletes with their respective years:
| Year | Athlete |
| 2021 | Fernando Tatis Jr. |
| 2020 | Javier Báez |
| 2019 | Bryce Harper |
| 2018 | Aaron Judge |
| 2017 | Ken Griffey Jr. |
An interesting detail about these cover athletes is that they are not merely selected based on their performance but also on their overall marketability and fan following in order to attract maximum attention towards the game.
Fun Fact! In 2005, David Ortiz was featured as one of the cover athletes alongside Benito Santiago.
Fans react to MLB the Show 23 cover athlete reveal, causing more outrage than a checked swing call.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
With the announcement of the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete, fans have been eagerly waiting to see who will grace the cover. Expectations were high for a player who has had a standout season and captured audiences’ attention. Fans are interested in seeing not only their favorite players on the cover but also ones that represent different teams.
A major point of discussion amongst fans is whether the chosen athlete accurately represents their team’s success or if it was based solely on personal achievements. Some believe that a player’s performance in postseason should be the primary factor while others argue that it should be based on regular-season performance instead.
What sets this year’s reveal apart from previous ones is the addition of fan voting in selecting which players will appear on regional covers. This allows for fans to have more say in who they want to see representing their region.
Interestingly, previous cover athletes have experienced both highs and lows after their feature. While some went on to excel further and win championships, others saw their careers decline shortly after being featured on the game’s cover art. However, with so much talent in baseball today, it’ll be interesting to see how things play out for this year’s chosen athlete.
The MLB the Show 23 cover athlete is a home run, unless you’re a pitcher facing them in the game.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on MLB the Show 23 Cover Athlete Selection
The selection of the MLB the Show 23 cover athlete has been a hot topic among avid fans. The chosen player embodies the spirit and excitement of the game, creating hype for both casual gamers and professional players alike.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of who will be gracing the cover of this highly anticipated game. The decision is based on a combination of factors, including a player’s performance on the field, their marketability, their fan base and appeal, and more.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is always room for improvement. It is important for developers to consider fan feedback when making their selections. They could involve fan voting or take other measures to ensure that they are selecting an athlete who resonates with as many people as possible.
Ultimately, whichever athlete is selected for the MLB the Show 23 cover, fans can expect another exciting installment in this beloved franchise.