Elly De La Cruz Makes History as First Active Reds Player on MLB The Show Cover

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will make franchise history as the first active Reds player to appear on the cover of the popular video game MLB The Show. Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that De La Cruz, 23, will be featured alongside Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson on the 2025 edition of the game.

The trio represents a new generation of baseball stars, with MLB and Sony emphasizing the game’s focus on rising talent. De La Cruz’s selection marks a significant milestone for the Reds, as he becomes the first active player from the franchise to grace the cover in the game’s nearly 20-year history.

“Elly De La Cruz is the Cincinnati Reds’ first-ever MLB The Show cover athlete!” the Reds tweeted Tuesday, celebrating the announcement.

Fans eager to play the game can expect its release in mid-March, consistent with previous years. Early access for MLB The Show 2025 will begin on March 14, with the full release following on March 18. The game will be available on PlayStation and Xbox platforms.

De La Cruz’s inclusion on the cover comes after a breakout 2024 season, during which he hit 25 home runs and stole 67 bases. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection and an eighth-place finish in National League MVP voting. His dynamic playstyle and electrifying speed have made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati and beyond.

While former Reds legend Ken Griffey Jr. appeared on the cover in 2017, his inclusion came after his retirement, making De La Cruz’s achievement even more notable. The young shortstop’s rise to stardom has been meteoric, and his presence on the cover underscores his growing influence in the sport.

MLB The Show has long been a staple for baseball fans, offering a realistic simulation of the sport. The 2025 edition promises to continue that tradition while spotlighting the league’s emerging stars. De La Cruz, Skenes, and Henderson represent the future of baseball, and their inclusion on the cover reflects the game’s commitment to celebrating the sport’s next generation.