MLB The Show 20 Swings for the Fences from 17th March

MLB The Show 19 is currently free on PlayStation Plus, but as the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals prepare to do battle for the title of World Champions, developer Sony San Diego has announced next year’s instalment in its flagship baseball franchise. Scheduled to release from 17th March, MLB The Show 20 will include a new class of Legends as well as “new ways to play with your friends”. Intriguing, eh?

Taking current cover star Bryce Harper’s place on the cover will be the Chicago Cubs’ second baseman Javier ‘El Mago’ Báez, who was predictably thrilled by the news. “I’ll never forget how it felt when I saw myself in the game for the first time,” he said. “It was so surreal. Still, it’s one thing to see your virtual self, but it’s completely next level to be on the cover of a game you’ve played and love. Let’s go!”

While details on the game itself are being largely kept underwraps, there are several packages available to pre-order. The 15th Anniversary Edition is the most expensive of these, and includes an exclusive New Era hat, as well as a Limited Edition steelbook case and a bunch of in-game items. That’ll set you back $99.99. If you’re not interested in the physical swag, then you can get even more DLC with the Digital Deluxe Edition for the same fee.

Alternatively, there’s the slightly cheaper MVP Edition, which ships in a Limited Edition steelbook case and comes with a modest selection of in-game gear for $79.99. And finally, there’s the standard release, which costs $59.99 and comes with 1 Gold Choice Pack assuming you pre-order. Go to GameStop and you’ll get a bonus Gear-Up Pack as well, while pre-orders on the PS Store come with an extra 5K Stubs and a Javy Báez card for use in MLB The Show 19.