The MLB is a money-spinning juggernaut. And a large portion of that capital comes too from the official video game of the MLB, “The Show”. With the game expected to be released quite soon, fans are eagerly awaiting cover art for the same. While indisputably featuring top performers from the past year, there might be a fair few more contenders than you originally believed.
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Various online commentators have said that it’s possible that 2022 may be the watershed year for “The Show”. Considering the 2021 game and improvements made therein, the 2022 game will come with certain expectations. And this feeds into the public reaction as well.
Fan suggestions for cover art
“The Show 2022” is likely to feature the usual suspects as performers from the 2021 season and sure enough, a few names come to mind straight away. Arguably the most dominant feature of the world series winning Atlanta Braves in 2021, some fans suggested that Freddie Freeman be featured on the cover of the blockbuster game.
Freddie Freeman for @MLBTheShow 2022 cover! pic.twitter.com/B3ZsrOAx52
— A H 🧢 (@imakryptonian) November 3, 2021
Other left field shouts also include the Dodger fanbase, making themselves heard for the season. Vincent Samperio was a contender for the cover too; At least, according to Dodger fans, with a fantastic frame from the season.
@MLBTheShow 2022 cover pic🔥 https://t.co/BTv3TAKSX2
— DodgerTimmy🐐 (@DodgerTimmy) July 12, 2021
Arguably, though, there are realistically two ways that the MLB can choose to go with their announcement. And this year, we are here for both of them. One features Vladdy G Jr. on the cover.
The twist, though, is that the concept cover also features his father, Vladimir Guererro Sr.
The Guerrero’s MLB The Show 2022 cover concept.@MLBTheShow | #MLBTheShow22 pic.twitter.com/HnxALDPAtJ
— Jacob (@CardinalsReek) January 13, 2022
The alternative and arguably most likely feature on the cover is going to be the 2021 AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani. Turning in world beater numbers in the regular season and on the back of the first fully two-way season since Babe Ruth in 2018, Ohtani has ruled all conversations in MLB for a while now. If the cover does materialize, Ohtani would well deserve his place.
https://twitter.com/cgybarr/status/1458671299450966024s
Make Shohei Ohtani your next cover star for 2022 pic.twitter.com/ZusqCRCZaT
— ❄️ VforVera (@VforVintageVera) October 29, 2021
And as rightly captured by several fans online, the opportunity is right there.
@MLBTheShow so…when Ohtani is on the cover next year, will is be MLB The SHO 2022??? #itshouldbe #iknowitsoundsgreat
— Steve Byrd (@SteveByrd71) June 17, 2021
I’d love that too but the opportunity to put Shohei on the cover and call it “The Sho” is too perfect
— TheMemeBoi (@TheMemeBoiYT) December 23, 2021
DO IT @MLBTheShow
Thoughts on the cover concept? pic.twitter.com/8wFBTGedNI— Jacob (@CardinalsReek) December 9, 2021
Cover announcement February 22nd 2022 calling it rn pic.twitter.com/jajji6d2Sm
— mlb20.cardart (@MLB20CARDART) January 16, 2022
Several Anaheim faithful though would also be glad to know that the Angels also have a concept of their tandem partnership. A Trout-Ohtani pivot that they will hope can guide them to a World Series title soon.
I’ve seen tons of Ohtani #mlbtheshow concept covers, and I love them! I wanted to make my own cover, but didn’t want to exactly copy the Ohtani trend. So instead, I made this dual cover in a parallel universe where @MikeTrout isn’t hurt. I hope y’all like it! pic.twitter.com/lxq4pNEhta
— zshein Customs (@zsheincustoms) January 16, 2022
And while the lockout may have dimmed the prospects of a season starting on time, baseball fans showed that their sense of humor remains unaffected.
The Show 2022 – and ‘Alternative’ suggestions
The MLB going into lockout led to the official MLB website taking down all the players’ likeness’ from the website as a measure in the lockout. The players too, as a means of negotiating tactic, changed their Twitter avatars to blanks as a form of solidarity to the Players Union.
It’ll be “MLB THE SHOW” with no player names or likenesses 😂 pic.twitter.com/jc5xGYrf7e
— Ryan Veneman (@RyanVeneman1) January 13, 2022
Another user took to create his own concept cover. See if you can identify the player on it.
Can't wait to see @JoeRandom on the cover of @MLBTheShow in 2022. https://t.co/mDiCrljceA
— Donovan Maess (@donovanjmaess) December 3, 2021
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Fans also suggested an alternate option with Derek Jeter appearing on the cover as a special edition. And the sheer serendipity on this announcement would blow a lot of people’s minds if it came to fruition.
i've been saying it for almost a year now, how perfect would the greatest player to wear number 2 be as a 2022 cover star, 2/2/22 might be late or might not
— Jeff Sexton (@CageMaster69) December 23, 2021
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While we wait for the lockout to end and for ball to resume as normal, perhaps the Show will make it better. And with announcements so far coming in early February, fans can sure get hyped.