Get ready for some hot takes and a deep dive into the world of MLB The Show ratings! We're about to uncover some potential snubs that might leave you scratching your head. But here's where it gets controversial... even the best games can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to understanding the true value of certain players.
The Cover Star Conundrum: Market Size vs. Talent
MLB The Show's recent cover athlete announcement featuring Aaron Judge is a clear indication that spring training is upon us. However, the selection process raises an interesting question: does the game prioritize the biggest star in the biggest market over truly worthy recipients? Tarik Skubal and Jose Ramirez, for instance, have never graced the cover, despite their impressive performances.
Predicting the Undervalued: A Look at Potential Snubs
Let's dive into some players who might be overlooked when it comes to their ratings:
2B Nico Hoerner:
- Devaluation Reason: Lack of Power
- Real-Life Value: 89 Overall
Hoerner's impressive fWAR (4.8) last season, leading all qualified second basemen, might not translate to his overall rating. Despite his elite skills across the board, except for home runs, Hoerner's power numbers could hold him back. With only 7 home runs last season and a career high of 10, Hoerner's rating might not reflect his all-around brilliance.
RHP Nolan McLean:
- Devaluation Reason: Lack of Experience
- Real-Life Value: 85 Overall
Rookies often face an uphill battle in MLB The Show, and McLean is no exception. However, his performance down the stretch last season was nothing short of stellar. McLean ranked among the best starting pitchers in various categories during his brief stint. The question remains: will his small sample size be enough to convince The Show's rating system of his true potential?
SS Geraldo Perdomo:
- Devaluation Reason: Not a Big Name
- Real-Life Value: 91 Overall
Playing for a smaller market team can sometimes mean being overlooked, even by dedicated MLB fans. Perdomo's breakout season in 2025, where he finished fourth in the NL MVP balloting, might not translate to a high overall rating. The Arizona Diamondbacks' shortstop was an 86 overall in the post-regular season update, despite being the best shortstop in the game that year.
SS Gunnar Henderson:
- Devaluation Reason: Coming Off a Down Year
- Real-Life Value: 92 Overall
Henderson's 2025 season might not have lived up to his 2024 MVP-caliber performance, but injuries played a significant role. With a healthy 2026 on the horizon, Henderson's rating might not reflect his true potential. Will MLB The Show give him the benefit of the doubt, or will his down year be a deciding factor?
RHP Hunter Brown:
- Devaluation Reason: He's a Starting Pitcher
- Real-Life Value: 93 Overall
Starting pitchers often face an uphill battle when it comes to high overall ratings. Last year, only a handful made it to the top 25, and Brown's impressive track record might not be enough to secure him a spot this time around. Despite being an AL Cy Young finalist, Brown's rating might be impacted by The Show's potential bias against starting pitchers.
Other Starting Pitchers to Watch:
- Tarik Skubal
- Paul Skenes
- Garrett Crochet
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Cristopher Sanchez
- Zack Wheeler
- Chris Sale
- Logan Webb
- Jacob deGrom
So, there you have it! These players might be undervalued when MLB The Show releases its ratings. But here's the part most people miss: ratings are just one aspect of the game. The true test of a player's value lies in their performance on the virtual diamond.
What do you think? Are these potential snubs justified, or is MLB The Show missing the mark? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on these intriguing cases!
