Aaron Judge Named Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 26 — Second Time for Yankees Star
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has officially been announced as the cover athlete for the upcoming MLB The Show 26, marking a rare second time the superstar has graced the front of the popular baseball video game. The announcement came from Sony’s MLB The Show franchise this week, delighting both baseball and gaming fans alike.
Judge becomes just the second player in the series’ history to appear on the cover more than once, a distinction previously held only by Hall of Fame catcher Joe Mauer, who was featured consecutively in 2010 and 2011. His first cover appearance was on MLB The Show 18, which coincided with his breakout rookie season.
Celebrating a Stellar Career
The decision to bring Judge back as the cover athlete reflects his status as one of baseball’s biggest stars. A three-time American League Most Valuable Player and perennial All-Star, Judge has established himself as a cornerstone of the Yankees franchise and one of the most recognizable faces in Major League Baseball.
What makes this year’s cover especially unique is its nod to multiple chapters of Judge’s career. In addition to showing him in his iconic Yankees pinstripes, the artwork also includes him in a Team USA jersey, highlighting his role in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This marks the first time MLB The Show has incorporated a player’s national team in its cover design, underscoring Judge’s growing global profile.
Game Launch and What’s Next
MLB The Show 26 is scheduled to launch on March 17, 2026, with early access beginning March 13 for fans who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition. Pre-orders for both the standard and deluxe editions open on February 3. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Beyond the cover reveal, MLB The Show 26 promises a mix of new and enhanced features across its popular modes, including Diamond Dynasty and Road to the Show , giving fans even more ways to experience baseball on their consoles.
Fan and Player Reactions
Judge himself expressed excitement about the honor, saying the 2026 cover art honors the different parts of his journey, from growing up a fan of the game to becoming one of its biggest stars. Whether fans follow baseball for its real-life drama or as a gaming experience, Judge’s inclusion on the cover is poised to attract attention across both communities.
Overall, the announcement has generated buzz among MLB fans, and Judge’s return to the cover underscores his enduring impact on baseball culture, both on the field and in the virtual diamond of MLB The Show 26.
Source: ESPN
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
