new York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is the cover athlete for MLB The Show 26,the gameS developers announced Tuesday,marking a meaningful moment for both the athlete adn the popular video game franchise.
A Repeat Honour: Judge Joins Rare Company
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Judge becomes only the second player in the game’s history to grace the cover twice. Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Mauer achieved the same distinction in 2010 and 2011. MLB The Show 26 is scheduled for release on March 17, with early access beginning on March 13.
This year’s cover art is a departure from his first appearance in 2018, offering a more complete look at Judge’s baseball journey. While he’s once again depicted in the iconic pinstripes of the New york Yankees, the design also incorporates a Team USA jersey, acknowledging his upcoming debut in the World Baseball Classic in March. A map of California highlights his high school, and a jersey from his time at Fresno State is also included.
“The cover they have for this year is going to be pretty special,” Judge said. “Kind of has a lot of different ties to different parts of my life. I think fans are going to enjoy it, and I think even gamers that don’t watch much baseball will really enjoy it as well.”
A Nostalgic Discovery
During a visit home to California last Thanksgiving, Judge stumbled upon a trove of unopened copies of MLB The Show 18, the game featuring his first cover appearance. Approximately 50 copies were found at his parents’ house, with additional copies located in his homes in New York and Florida. The sight of the cover triggered a wave of nostalgia.
“Seeing the joy it brings them to get a chance to play this game or even the kids at my camp that know me and they’re like,’hey,I saw you,you’re on the cover; I’m playing with you.’ That’s what it’s all about right there — just connecting with those kids and this next generation,” Judge said.
A Technological Marvel
In 2018, Judge visited Sony Studios where his walk-up, swing, and motions were meticulously scanned.He expressed amazement at the accuracy of his in-game portrayal. “It’s still spot on like I don’t know how they have all this technology or what they’re using but it’s top of the line, man,” he said. “They don’t need my help with that, man. I got a better swing on the game then I do in real life.”
When playing MLB The Show,Judge gravitates towards Road to the Show mode,enjoying the prospect to check his ratings and,naturally,play as the Yankees-though he admits it feels “weird and surreal” to control his own digital counterpart. For Judge, it’s yet another “pinch me” moment.
