MLB The Show 23 Release Date, Top Features, New Modes and Cover

Gamers who pre-ordered the deluxe and captain editions of MLB The Show 23 are already enjoying their early access to the new baseball simulation that released on Friday.

The rest of the world will have to wait until Tuesday to get their hands on this year's game, but it looks like it will be worth the wait with the new features included by San Diego Studio.

After their stadium hosted the final two rounds of the fantastic World Baseball Classic, the good vibes for the Miami Marlins going into the 2023 season continue with All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. gracing the cover for the new game.

Chisholm is the first Marlins player ever to be featured on the cover of MLB The Show since the series launched in 2006.

Ahead of the official release date of the new MLB The Show, here are some of the best new features and gameplay modes that fans can enjoy.

---

Storylines

The biggest addition to MLB The Show 23 is the "Storylines" mode that will allow players to focus on a specific player in a narrative journey that will include gameplay featuring important moments from the player's career.

Storyline mode will have a specific focus on the Negro Leagues with a roster of eight players to choose from: Leroy "Satchel" Paige, Jackie Robinson, Andrew "Rube" Foster, Hilton Smith, Hank Thompson, John Donaldson, Martin Dihigo and John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil.

According to The Show's official website, every new launch of the game will "introduce a new group of Negro League Legends and their stories to pay rightful tribute to these mostly unknown baseball superstars."

---

Enhanced Diamond Dynasty

San Diego Studios is increasing the amount of time gamers can use cards acquired in Diamond Dynasty mode, albeit under a unique circumstance.

Traditionally, players have only had a limited window of time to use a set of cards when they get them. There will still be a narrow period of time that most cards can get used, but it's not as stringent as it used to be.

Season 1 cards can be used in Seasons 1 and 2. Season 2 cards can be used in Seasons 2 and 3.

There will also be a Core set of cards released. These are available to use at any time in any season. MLB The Show is also making 99-overall cards available at launch with players able to start earning them through the various game modes.

San Diego Studios is also adapting a version of Theme Teams with captain cards. Captains have special boosts that can be earned if gamers meet the criteria to trigger them. Gamers can have a maximum of two captains on their team—one hitter and one pitcher.

---

Addition of Universal DH and Two-Way Player

MLB The Show 23 is catching up to the rules in Major League Baseball.

After MLB adopted the designated hitter in both leagues as part of the new collective bargaining agreement last year, MLB The Show is adding it to the game this year.

Another big change is the chance to have more of an impact as a two-way player. The "Shohei Ohtani Rule" was another one of the changes adopted in the CBA last year. It allows pitchers to remain in the batting order as the designated hitter after they are pulled from the mound.

San Diego Studio is adding the rule to this year's simulation. Players who have a secondary position are eligible to stay in the game as your DH when you make a change on the mound.