Yankees Star Aaron Judge Returns as MLB The Show Cover Athlete

Hall of Famer CC Sabathia expresses excitement over Judge's second cover appearance

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:39pm

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New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been selected to grace the cover of MLB The Show for the second time, joining an elite group of MVP players featured on the popular video game. Former Yankees pitcher and Hall of Famer CC Sabathia took to social media to express his excitement over Judge's return as the cover athlete.

Why it matters

Aaron Judge is one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball, and his selection as the cover athlete for MLB The Show further cements his status as a marquee player. The video game franchise is one of the most popular sports titles, so being chosen as the cover athlete is a significant honor that recognizes Judge's talent and popularity.

The details

Judge becomes only the second MLB player to be featured on the cover of MLB The Show more than once, joining former Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer. In 2025, Judge won his second consecutive AL MVP award after batting .331 with 179 hits, 53 home runs, and 114 RBIs. The 2026 version of MLB The Show is scheduled for release on March 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with a Digital Deluxe Edition available on March 13.

  • Aaron Judge was named the cover athlete for MLB The Show 2026.
  • The 2026 version of MLB The Show is scheduled for release on March 17.

The players

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who has been selected as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 2026, the second time he has graced the cover of the popular video game franchise.

CC Sabathia

A former pitcher for the New York Yankees and a Hall of Famer who expressed excitement over Aaron Judge's return as the cover athlete for MLB The Show.

Joe Mauer

A former catcher for the Minnesota Twins who was the only other MLB player to be featured on the cover of MLB The Show more than once, in 2010 and 2011.

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What they’re saying

“is it March yet?!”

— CC Sabathia, Hall of Famer (Twitter)

What’s next

The 2026 version of MLB The Show is scheduled for release on March 17, with a Digital Deluxe Edition available on March 13.

The takeaway

Aaron Judge's selection as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 2026 further solidifies his status as one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. His return to the cover of the popular video game franchise is a testament to his talent and popularity, and it will undoubtedly generate excitement among fans as they await the game's release in March.