Each year, MLB The Show fuels the excitement of baseball fans not only through immersive gameplay and realistic mechanics but also through its ever-evolving roster of current stars MLB The Show 25 Stubs and legendary players from baseball’s storied past. One of the most hotly discussed topics in the MLB The Show community—especially on forums like Reddit, Twitter (X), and the official Show Nation site—is which legends should be added next to the game. From iconic sluggers to forgotten cult heroes, fans never shy away from voicing their wishlists. With MLB The Show 25 continuing to build on its already deep roster of classic players, let’s explore who fans are clamoring to see added next and why these legends deserve a place in the game.

1. Barry Bonds – The White Whale of MLB The Show
There’s no name that gets brought up more frequently than Barry Bonds. Despite being one of the most prolific home run hitters in history, Bonds has never been officially included in MLB The Show due to licensing issues. Instead, the game has used a fictional player named "Reggie Stocker" in the past to emulate Bonds’ lefty swing and raw power. Fans are vocal about wanting the real thing.

Why Fans Want Him:

Holds the all-time home run record (762).

Seven-time MVP winner.

Would be a game-changing card in Diamond Dynasty with maxed-out stats across hitting categories.

Community Sentiment:
Every time Sony San Diego (SDS) teases a new legend, comments flood in hoping it’s Bonds. His absence is seen as one of the last major holes in an otherwise incredible legends lineup.

2. Ichiro Suzuki – A Hit Machine and Defensive Wizard
Ichiro’s graceful swing, cannon arm, and unmatched consistency made him one of the most respected players of his era. While he has appeared in other baseball games, fans have long wanted his return—or debut—in MLB The Show.

Why Fans Want Him:

Over 3,000 MLB hits and 4,300+ combined between NPB and MLB.

Gold Glove defense and legendary arm in right field.

Unique slap-hitting swing and elite base-running skills.

Gameplay Appeal:
Ichiro would offer a completely different playstyle in Diamond Dynasty—speed and contact over brute force. His signature throws from right field would also be a defensive asset.

3. Roger Clemens – The Rocket
Another high-profile name often requested is Roger Clemens. With 354 career wins and seven Cy Young Awards, Clemens would add an elite-tier pitcher to the legends pool.

Why Fans Want Him:

One of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history.

Would rival current top-tier Diamond Dynasty aces like Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan.

Brings firepower and intensity to the mound.

Community Take:
Clemens, like Bonds, has been absent due to off-field controversies and licensing, but the demand remains strong. Players want to relive the days of Clemens vs. Pedro in classic matchups.

4. Josh Gibson – Negro Leagues Icon
SDS made a huge stride in MLB The Show 23 by adding a series of Negro Leagues players, including Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil. The community widely agrees that Josh Gibson should be next.

Why Fans Want Him:

Considered one of the greatest power hitters of all time.

Estimated 800+ career home runs.

Adding Gibson would continue the franchise’s celebration of underrepresented baseball legends.

Impact on the Game:
Gibson would provide another powerful catching option, rivalling the likes of Mike Piazza and Joe Mauer. His addition would also serve as an important educational tool within the Storylines mode.

5. Bo Jackson – The Ultimate Two-Sport Athlete
Bo Jackson remains a cultural icon, and fans are desperate to see his larger-than-life persona represented in MLB The Show.

Why Fans Want Him:

Legendary athlete with unforgettable moments both in the outfield and at the plate.

Strong arm, blazing speed, and jaw-dropping power.

Nostalgia from his Tecmo Bowl days and Nike commercials.

Gameplay Fun Factor:
Bo would be an electrifying card in Diamond Dynasty—possibly 99 speed, 99 arm strength, and 100+ power. He’d be the perfect combination of defense and offense for any outfield.

6. Joe DiMaggio – The Yankee Clipper
While MLB The Show has featured many Yankee legends (Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Jeter), Joe DiMaggio remains absent, much to the confusion of the fanbase.

Why Fans Want Him:

56-game hit streak—still a record today.

13-time All-Star and nine-time World Series champion.

Impeccable blend of power, contact, and defense.

Community Consensus:
DiMaggio’s addition would help complete the pantheon of Yankee legends and give players another elite center field option.

7. More Recent Retirees – David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, and Roy Halladay
While legends of the past often dominate wishlists, fans also want more recent retirees who had a major impact on 2000s baseball. Names like David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, and Johan Santana frequently pop up in threads.

Reasons for Popularity:

Deep emotional connection from watching them live.

More modern pitching/hitting mechanics translate better to The Show gameplay engine.

Opportunity to fill role-specific needs in Diamond Dynasty teams.

Honorable Mentions
Fred McGriff – "The Crime Dog" finally got into the Hall of Fame and deserves some in-game love.

Kenny Lofton – Speed demon and leadoff specialist.

Curt Schilling – Dominant postseason pitcher (though his omission is often due to off-field issues).

Carlos Delgado – Underrated power hitter.

Johnny Damon – Fan-favorite from the Red Sox and Yankees era.

What SDS Can Learn from the Community
Sony San Diego has done an excellent job steadily expanding the legend pool, particularly with additions like Derek Jeter, David Wright, and Negro Leagues stars. However, fans are clear: they want variety, authenticity, and stars that shaped different eras of baseball. Community engagement, including surveys, social media polls, and voting campaigns, help guide these decisions, but licensing remains a major hurdle.

The potential for new legends isn’t just about nostalgia. Each one changes how MLB The Show is played, from the meta in ranked modes to offline collections. Adding Barry Bonds or Josh Gibson would literally reshape the landscape of Diamond Dynasty.

Conclusion
As MLB The Show continues to grow, the voices of its passionate community will play a crucial role in determining which legends are immortalized next. Whether it’s long-overdue icons like Barry Bonds, underrepresented heroes like Josh Gibson, or fan-favorites like Bo Jackson, the wishlist is long—and getting louder. With enough support, maybe someday, we’ll see the day when all of baseball’s greatest, controversial or not, step back onto the Mut 26 MLB Stubs virtual diamond where they belong.