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MLB The Show 25 Needs Ichiro

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tyler Edmunds | Last updated Jan 27, 2025 2:33 PM ET

With MLB The Show 25 set to be released by the middle of March, it’s no surprise that fans of the game are already expressing their ideas and opinions on what this year’s game should and should not feature. From improvements to franchise mode to staying away from sets and seasons in dynasty mode, there are several concerns fans have expressed.

Although it’s assumed that Elly De La Cruz will be this year’s cover athlete, and that’s subject to change, I think this year’s version should feature a second cover athlete. A legendary cover athlete. A Hall of Fame cover athlete: Ichiro Suzuki.

Ichiro’s card has not been featured in MLB The Show’s Diamond Dynasty mode since 2019’s version of the game, but with his recent induction to the Hall of Fame, now would be the perfect time to slap the lefty’s face on the cover of this year’s game.

Not that San Diego Studios needs any help promoting their game, but imagine the global recognition their game received with a Japanese phenom on the cover. Look what it did for the game in 2022 when Shohei Ohtani was on the cover. Add the fact that the game is now on the Nintendo Switch, and you’ve got millions and millions playing the game every year.

And here’s another thing: with the way the Los Angeles Dodgers have capitalized on the Japanese market over the last two seasons, right now would be a perfect opportunity for San Diego Studios to ride that train. Adding a legend and brand-new member of the MLB Hall of Fame in Ichiro would be the perfect opportunity for that.

Not only should MLB The Show feature Ichiro on at least one cover, but its diamond dynasty mode should also feature a program centered on Ichiro and other Japanese stars. Buckle up for this one.

Last year’s game was the first of its kind to feature programs on the Negro Leagues. Players would watch mini-videos on the history of the league, play game modes in which they had to duplicate specific players’ accomplishments, and were eventually rewarded with cards they could use in the game. Imagine that same concept but with Japanese baseball players.

Fans could watch videos and highlights of Japanese legends who came over to America to play in the MLB. Of course, it would be narrated by Ichiro, but each clip would feature a specific player, show highlights of their MLB and Japanese careers, and follow with moments players would have to play to unlock “their card.”

Imagine pitching a game during Hideo Nomo’s rookie season with his funky windup.

Or playing as Hideki Matsui during the 2009 World Series.

Or hurling fastballs in the Japan Series as young phenom Yu Darvish.

Or facing Mike Trout in the bottom of the ninth in the World Baseball Classic as you play as Shohei Ohtani.

The program would win Oscars. Of course, the ultimate prize would be a 99-rated Ichiro Hall of Fame card, and it would be amazing.

MLB The Show has done a pretty good job of keeping fans engaged with their product throughout the years, but if they want to do something legendary this year, add Ichiro to the game, hell, throw him with Ohtani on the cover, and just sit back and watch the fireworks.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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