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MLB The Show 22 Cover Athlete

Written by:  U4N
Published: Apr 14, 2026
29

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels, was chosen as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 22. Ohtani made history in the 2021 season by winning the American League MVP award, a season where he showcased his incredible skills as both a pitcher and a hitter, something not seen in Major League Baseball in decades. This historic achievement made him the perfect choice for the cover, marking a major milestone in the game's history.

MLB The Show 22 Cover Athlete

Significance of Shohei Ohtani as the Cover Athlete

Ohtani's selection as the cover athlete was significant for multiple reasons. Not only was he the first Asian player to appear on the cover of MLB The Show, but he was also the first pitcher to be featured as the main cover athlete. Ohtani's ability to dominate both as a hitter and a pitcher had many fans and analysts comparing him to baseball legends like Babe Ruth, making him an ideal representative for the game.

MLB The Show 22 Cover Athlete

Collector's Edition and Artwork

The MLB The Show 22 Collector's Edition featured artwork created by renowned Japanese illustrator Takashi Okazaki, famous for his work on Afro Samurai. This special edition offered a unique manga-style cover that highlighted Ohtani's dual-threat abilities, adding an extra layer of appeal for collectors.

Announcement and Platforms

The cover reveal took place in a very unique way, with a 3D billboard in New York City's iconic Times Square. This was a nod to Ohtani's global appeal, especially in Japan. MLB The Show 22 was released on PlayStation, Xbox, and for the first time ever, on the Nintendo Switch, expanding its accessibility to a broader audience.

Core Gameplay Modes

1. Diamond Dynasty

One of the most popular modes in the game, Diamond Dynasty, was enhanced in MLB The Show 22. This is the fantasy card-collection mode where players can collect baseball cards and build their ultimate team. This year, the mode introduced Mini Seasons, a 28-game season where players go up against the CPU, unlocking unique rewards and challenges along the way. It added more depth to the mode, keeping it fresh and exciting.

MLB The Show 22 Gameplay

2. Road to the Show (RTTS)

The Road to the Show mode received a major update, allowing players to create and manage multiple ballplayers. For the first time, players could progress through the journey to the Major Leagues with either a position player, a pitcher, or even a two-way star like Shohei Ohtani. This added a new layer of strategy and personalization, giving players more ways to enjoy the game.

MLB The Show 22 Gameplay

3. March to October

March to October is a streamlined season mode, ideal for players who want to experience the excitement of a full season without the time commitment. In MLB The Show 22, this mode was expanded to cover multiple seasons. The improved logic for drafting and team building gave players more control over their team's destiny, while still maintaining a fast-paced, engaging experience.

MLB The Show 22 Gameplay

4. Online Co-op

A brand-new addition to MLB The Show 22 was Online Co-op. In this mode, players could team up in either 2v2 or 3v3 gameplay. Whether using standard MLB rosters or custom teams built in Diamond Dynasty, this mode allowed for a fun and competitive experience with friends, adding a whole new dynamic to the online gameplay.

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Key Features & Updates

1. New Commentary Team

A major change in MLB The Show 22 was the introduction of a new commentary team. Jon "Boog" Sciambi and Chris Singleton replaced the long-standing commentary duo. They brought fresh voices to the game, recording approximately 45,000 lines of new dialogue. This update helped keep the commentary feeling fresh and in line with the excitement of the game.

MLB The Show 22 Gameplay

2. Stadium Creator (Next-Gen Only)

For next-gen players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, MLB The Show 22 introduced an expanded Stadium Creator mode. Players could now design their own custom ballparks, adding unique features like night games and a more user-friendly interface. This mode was a huge hit for those who love customization and wanted to create the ultimate baseball experience.

3. Legends in the Game

The game also featured a collection of over 150 playable legends, including Randy Johnson, Ryan Howard, and Mike Mussina, adding even more depth to the already rich roster of players. These legends, along with the active MLB stars, made the game feel like the ultimate collection of baseball talent across generations.

4. Difficulty Settings

To make the game more accessible to newcomers, MLB The Show 22 introduced two additional difficulty levels. These levels helped beginners ease into the game while still offering a challenge for more experienced players. It was a welcome change for those who wanted to learn the ropes of the game at their own pace.

Available Platforms

MLB The Show 22 is available on several platforms, allowing a wide range of players to join in on the action:

  • PlayStation: Available on PS5 and PS4
  • Xbox: Available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One (also available on Xbox Game Pass at launch)
  • Nintendo Switch: For the first time in the franchise, the game is available on the Nintendo Switch, opening up access to a whole new group of players.
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About the Author: U4N

U4N is a leading online marketplace offering secure, fast transactions for in-game items, currencies, accounts and boosting services. Covering a wide range of popular games, U4N provides players with reliable services, including fast delivery and verified sellers, ensuring a smooth and safe gaming experience.

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