The Top 5 MLB The Show Games of All Time
A Blog by Greg
For nearly two decades, MLB The Show has been the gold standard of baseball video games for fans of the sport. There is a reason MLB The Show became the undisputed champion of baseball video games when the 7th generation of video game consoles came around (PS4, Xbox One), and it is because of San Diego Studios commitment to realism and technical innovations.
But with so many annual releases, which versions truly stand out as the best?
Based on user feedback, critical reception, and cultural impact, here are the top 5 MLB The Show games of all time.
5. MLB The Show 17
Platform: PS4
Cover Athlete: Ken Griffey Jr.
Why It Makes the List:
MLB The Show 17 blended modern innovation with nostalgic charm. The introduction of Retro Mode, featuring old-school visuals and gameplay mechanics, made it a standout fan favorite. Having Ken Griffey Jr. as the cover star added to the game’s throwback appeal.
It also introduced the “Pave Your Path” storyline in Road to the Show, giving players branching narrative choices for the first time. Combined with improved commentary and smoother animations, this entry marked a fresh creative direction. Additionally, this entry built upon the strong innovation in the Diamond Dynasty mode from its predecessor, making MLB The Show 17 iconic for online gamers.
Legacy: The game that brought old-school cool back to modern baseball gaming.
4. MLB The Show 20
Platform: PS4
Cover Athlete: Javier Báez
Why It Makes the List:
Serving as the final MLB The Show exclusive for PS4, this game felt like the culmination of a generation. It featured a fine-tuned Franchise Mode, a robust Diamond Dynasty, and the best version of Road to the Show in years.
Mechanically, it was very solid. Fielding was tight, hitting was responsive, and online modes were more stable than ever. It struck a balance between depth and accessibility that newer entries often struggle to maintain. The game released right as the COVID-19 pandemic began, meaning fans of the series had no choice but to lock themselves inside and pour hours into this game. MLB The Show 20 deserved a spot on this list for nostalgia alone.
Legacy: The most complete and polished entry of the PS4 era, releasing at the perfect time.
3. MLB The Show 16
Platforms: PS3, PS4
Cover Athlete: Josh Donaldson
Why It Makes the List:
The Show 16 was a huge step for the franchise. It introduced ShowTime, a bullet-time mechanic in RTTS that gave players more control in key moments, and Conquest Mode, an entirely new strategic layer in Diamond Dynasty, finally giving offline players an engaging game mode.
Gameplay was slick, animations were fluid, and the new player growth system added depth to progression. For many, this was the year MLB The Show hit its stride in balancing realism, fun, and variety.
Legacy: The game that made The Show more than just a baseball sim.
2. MLB The Show 10
Platform: PS3
Cover Athlete: Joe Mauer
Why It Makes the List:
Ask long-time fans what their favorite entry is, and MLB The Show 10 almost always comes up. It featured Road to the Show 4.0, delivering a deeper, more immersive career mode experience that set the tone for the next decade.
The visuals were top-notch for the time, and the broadcast presentation raised the bar across all sports games. This was the title that put the franchise in a league of its own. This is where MLB The Show truly became the #1 baseball video game on the market.
Legacy: A generational leap that became the blueprint for modern baseball games.
1. MLB The Show 21
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Cover Athlete: Fernando Tatís Jr.
Why It’s #1:
MLB The Show 21 was a franchise-defining moment. For the first time ever, the game launched on Xbox consoles and, even more shockingly, on Xbox Game Pass Day One, drawing millions of new players into the fold.
The next-gen versions offered the long-awaited Stadium Creator, enhanced visuals, and upgraded animations. It wasn’t just about gameplay; it was a cultural crossover event that broke console barriers and turned heads industry-wide.
Legacy: The boldest and most accessible version of The Show and a true milestone for sports gaming.
Honorable Mentions:
MLB The Show 09 – A foundational title that introduced fluid animations and classic gameplay
MLB The Show 23 – Featured the groundbreaking Negro Leagues Storylines mode
MLB The Show 13 – A fan-favorite for its strong RTTS customization and franchise depth
Final Thoughts
MLB The Show has consistently been a staple for MLB fans over the past 20 years, but these five titles stand above the rest as game-changers in sports gaming history. Whether for their gameplay breakthroughs, cultural impact, or fan-favorite features, these entries earned their place in the hall of fame.
Whether you're collecting virtual cards in Diamond Dynasty, becoming the next GOAT in Road to the Show, or taking control of your favorite MLB team in Franchise mode, there's a version of The Show that made you fall in love with baseball gaming all over again.