MLB The Show 24 brings a new iteration of the yearly baseball simulation game, and that means roster updates are here. More importantly, that also means updated player ratings, including a fresh set of 99 overall rated players. Only five players received the coveted 99 overall rating, with an additional six players receiving a rating of 95 or higher. If you follow professional baseball, most of these names won't come as a surprise to you. That's not all that's new in MLB The Show 24. This year's edition builds upon the storylines mode from MLB The Show 23, with more narrative-focused modes based on the real-life stories of Negro League players. Among those players is Toni Stone, the first-ever female professional baseball player. On top of that, you will be able to make a female player in the Road to the Show: Pave Their Way, a special version of the typical mode featuring a woman making her way in professional baseball.
Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels - 99 Overall While Mike Trout is no longer part of the greatest duo in professional baseball with Shohei Ohtani now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the three-time MVP is still one of the best currently playing. The Angels center fielder might have missed some time due to injury, but when healthy he is a phenomenal fielder and an even better hitter. Aaron Judge - New York Yankees - 99 Overall The New York Yankees 6' 7" right fielder also missed a bit of time last season, but that didn't stop Aaron Judge from hitting 37 home runs. In 2022, Aaron Judge set a new single-season home run record for the American League with 62 and has previously nabbed himself both a rookie of the year and MVP. Shohei Ohtani - Los Angeles Dodgers - 99 Overall It shouldn't be a surprise that the reigning American League MVP received a 99 overall, although some people might be shocked to see Shohei Ohtani in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.
He signed a massive, $700 million 10-year deal with the Dodgers, securing this two-way talent for at least a decade. While Ohtani won't be returning to the mound in real life this season due to injury, that won't stop him in MLB The Show 24. Mookie Betts - Los Angeles Dodgers - 99 Overall Widely considered the runner-up for the National League MVP for 2023, Mookie Betts gets a 99 overall rating ahead of what is likely his first full season as a second baseman. Previously a right fielder, Betts put up 39 home runs on a .309 BA. Ronald Acuña Jr. - Atlanta Braves - 99 Overall
Chapter 1: The Elite Club - 99 Overall Rated Players
In the latest iteration of MLB The Show, a select number of players received the highest possible rating of 99 overall. These players represent the pinnacle of talent and have earned their spot through incredible performances on the field. Let’s delve into what makes these players special and deserving of their top-tier ratings.
Mike Trout: Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels center fielder, continues to be regarded as one of the best in the game. Despite injuries that have sidelined him from time to time, Trout's batting and fielding stats are remarkable. Being a three-time MVP, his 99 overall rating is well justified.
Aaron Judge: New York Yankees
Aaron Judge is another standout player who has earned a 99 overall rating. Standing tall at 6'7", the New York Yankees' right fielder broke the American League single-season home run record with 62 homers in 2022. Even though he missed some playing time last season, Judge managed to hit 37 home runs, further cementing his reputation.
Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani's move to the Los Angeles Dodgers was one of the biggest stories in baseball. The reigning American League MVP signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Although he won’t be taking the mound this season due to injury, his dual-threat capabilities as a pitcher and hitter make him an invaluable asset, hence the 99 overall rating.
Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts transitioned from being a right fielder to a second baseman, and he has already proven his versatility. Finishing second in the National League MVP race in 2023, Betts hit 39 home runs with a .309 batting average, earning him a 99 overall rating in the game.
Ronald Acuña Jr.: Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning National League MVP, enters the game with a 99 overall rating. His achievements in 2023, including becoming the first member of the 70/40 club with 73 stolen bases and 41 home runs, showcase his exceptional talent.
Chapter 2: Near Perfection - Players Rated 95 to 98 Overall
While only five players reached the illustrious 99 overall rating, another set of players came very close. Let’s explore the talents who earned themselves ratings between 95 and 98.
Corey Seager: Texas Rangers - 98 Overall
Corey Seager, the Texas Rangers' shortstop, was pivotal in leading his team to its first-ever World Series Championship. With 33 home runs and 96 RBIs in 2023, despite missing some games early in the season, Seager’s performance handed him a 98 overall rating.
Spencer Strider: Atlanta Braves - 97 Overall
Spencer Strider, the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitcher, boasts a 97 overall rating. Known for his fastball and ability to amass strikeouts, Strider finished the season with a 20-5 record and a 3.86 ERA, recording 281 strikeouts over 186.2 innings.
Austin Riley: Atlanta Braves - 96 Overall
Another star from the Atlanta Braves, third baseman Austin Riley, is rated at 96 overall. Known for his powerful bat, Riley hit 37 home runs and recorded 97 RBIs, while also showcasing excellent defensive skills.
Yordan Álvarez: Houston Astros - 96 Overall
Despite battling through some injuries, Yordan Álvarez, the designated hitter for the Houston Astros, earned a 96 overall rating. With 31 home runs and 96 RBIs, Álvarez played a key role in helping the Astros reach the American League championship series.
Gerrit Cole: New York Yankees - 95 Overall
Gerrit Cole, the ace starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, had a stellar 2023 season with a 15-4 record and 222 strikeouts, resulting in his 95 overall rating. Cole’s low ERA and consistent performances have made him one of the best pitchers in the league.
Chapter 3: The Braves' Powerhouse
Among the standout teams in MLB The Show 24, the Atlanta Braves have been exceptionally well-represented with multiple players receiving high ratings.
Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves - 95 Overall
Matt Olson, the Braves’ first baseman, had an outstanding 2023 season, recording 54 home runs and 139 RBIs. These stats helped the Braves match the single-season team home run record of 307, earning Olson a 95 overall rating.
The concentration of highly rated players in the Atlanta Braves illustrates the team's depth of talent, making them a formidable opponent in both reality and the virtual world.