Elly De La Cruz to Grace Cover of MLB The Show 25

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz announced Monday on Instagram that he will be the cover athlete for MLB The Show 25, the latest installment of the popular baseball video game franchise. The 22-year-old rising star shared the news in a video message to fans, expressing his excitement in both English and Spanish.

"What's up, my people? This is Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds, and I'm excited to be on the cover of MLB The Show 25," De La Cruz said. "You already know, I'm going to beat everyone."

While San Diego Studios, the game's developer, has yet to officially confirm the announcement, De La Cruz's post has sparked widespread excitement among fans. The Reds star, known for his electrifying blend of power and speed, has quickly become one of baseball's most captivating players since his MLB debut in 2023.

Standing at 6-foot-5, De La Cruz defies the traditional mold of a shortstop. Through 258 career games, he has stolen 102 bases and hit 38 home runs, showcasing his rare combination of athleticism and raw talent. His ability to steal home and create highlight-reel moments has made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati and beyond.

De La Cruz follows in the footsteps of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who graced the cover of MLB The Show 24. He becomes the 19th player to be featured on the cover since the game's inception in 2006. Past cover athletes include legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and modern stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.

The Reds organization has begun building its future around De La Cruz, who has the potential to become the face of the franchise. Despite his early success, the young shortstop has room for improvement, particularly in reducing his strikeout rate. If he can refine his plate discipline, analysts believe he could achieve a 40-40 season (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases), a feat accomplished by only four players in MLB history.

MLB The Show 25 is expected to release in March 2025, continuing the franchise's tradition of delivering immersive baseball experiences to fans. The game, developed by San Diego Studios, is the premier baseball video game series, akin to Madden for the NFL or NBA 2K for basketball.

De La Cruz's selection as the cover athlete reflects his rapid rise from a highly touted prospect to a household name. His announcement has already generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating the game's release and the chance to play as one of baseball's most dynamic talents.