MLB The Show 25 Update: Player Likeness Upgrades & Gameplay Tweaks

Last Updated: November 1, 2025


MLB The Show 25 player likeness update featuring Garrett Crochet.

San Diego Studio has deployed Game Update 26 for MLB The Show 25, rolling out a fresh batch of enhancements for the premier baseball simulation. The patch, now live on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, sharpens the game's visual fidelity with a focus on player likenesses while also delivering a key quality-of-life adjustment for Diamond Dynasty's co-op mode.

This update continues the studio's post-launch commitment to refining the experience, underscoring that even late in the season, the small details matter. For a franchise built on authenticity, ensuring the virtual players mirror their real-world counterparts—from a new haircut to updated gear—is paramount to maintaining immersion.

Hitting the Diamond with Enhanced Realism

While not a major gameplay overhaul, updates like this are crucial for the game's dedicated community. They address the ever-evolving look of MLB players, something fans are quick to notice. Whether it's a star player who changed their hairstyle mid-season or a rookie who finally got their official head scan, these patches bridge the gap between simulation and reality.

These targeted cosmetic improvements demonstrate an ongoing effort to keep the game world feeling current and dynamic. Subtle adjustments to a player's model, stance, or accessories contribute significantly to the believability of every pitch and at-bat, ensuring the game remains the most authentic representation of Major League Baseball available.

Who's Getting a Makeover in Update 26?

This latest patch provides significant visual refreshes for a diverse list of athletes, ranging from established superstars to breakout talents who have made a name for themselves this season. Players who install the update will see improved and more accurate models for the following players:

  • Pete Alonso
  • Francisco Alvarez
  • Harrison Bader
  • Tanner Bibee
  • Jeimer Candelario
  • Jonathan Cannon
  • Garrett Crochet
  • Freddy Fermin
  • Sal Frelick
  • Clay Holmes

These changes can range from subtle tweaks to a player's facial hair to complete overhauls of their head scan and body type. For instance, fans have been anticipating a more accurate model for Garrett Crochet, and this update delivers a likeness that better reflects his current appearance.

Equipment and Gameplay Refinements

Beyond player faces, Game Update 26 also refines various pieces of on-field equipment. While not exhaustively detailed in the patch notes, these adjustments typically involve updating the models for batting helmets, cleats, catcher's gear, and bats from major brands like Nike, Rawlings, and Wilson, keeping the game's gear selection as current as its rosters.

Notably, this patch also includes a significant gameplay tweak for the popular Diamond Dynasty Ranked Co-Op mode. The default players provided have been upgraded from 84 OVR gold cards to 97+ OVR diamond players. This is a welcome change for the competitive community, ensuring a higher baseline of talent in co-op matchups and making the mode more accessible and immediately competitive.

A Season of Continuous Improvement

The release of Game Update 26 is another clear signal of San Diego Studio's dedication to supporting MLB The Show 25 throughout its entire lifecycle. By consistently deploying patches that address everything from major bugs to minor cosmetic details and quality-of-life improvements, the studio nurtures a healthy and evolving game. These incremental updates are vital for the title's longevity, keeping the community engaged and ensuring the product remains polished long after launch day. The update is available for download now on all platforms.