MLB The Show 24: Which legends should be introduced for each NL team?
MLB The Show 24 is on the way and it is getting closer to the time when we start hearing news about the next installment of the franchise. Included with that is seeing the new “legends” coming to the newest game. Last year, we saw Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire headline the group of new faces with Derek Jeter as the deluxe edition cover athlete. I took it upon myself to list a new legend for every MLB team.
Legends are a vital selling point for the game every year, as a fan I expect them to outdo themselves year after year. Especially with the game growing in popularity. I am holding the same standard for The Show 24.
Now, the game of baseball has produced many great players as well as individual teams having great seasons from great players. The term “legend” in MLB The Show is a term to loop players from baseball’s past into the game. Nevertheless, I have my list and I am certain to have overlooked many greats. I challenge San Diego Studios to do a better job than me with who they decide to bring into MLB 24.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Jose Valverde, CP
Jose Valverde was the All-Star closer of the 2007 NLCS Diamondbacks team. Valverde led the league with 47 saves with a 2.66 ERA. With even more All-Star seasons with the Tigers, more closers would be a plus for this year’s game.
Atlanta Braves – Andruw Jones, CF
The greatest defensive center fielder of all time has not been in the game since The Show 21. As a beloved addition at the time, Andruw Jones never had a true “endgame” card. Another true five-tool player to make outfields more interesting.
Chicago Cubs – Carlos Zambrano, SP
Notable hothead Carlos Zambrano is a three-time silver slugger winner and finished top-5 in CY Young award voting three times also. Big Z’s repertoire of a cutter, sinker, splitter and change-up will play well in-game.
Cincinnati Reds – Brandon Phillips, 2B
A beloved player, Brandon Phillips retired in 2018 and has not been in the game since. A three-time gold glove winner, Brandon Phillips would be welcomed back with open arms.
Colorado Rockies – Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Altogether, one of the most talented players in the Rockies’ history, a great career cut short. A Troy Tulowitzki card was everything you needed from a shortstop: Power, speed and a glove. It will be five games without Troy Tulowitzki, let’s end the streak.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Kemp, CF
One of my favorite players in his prime was robbed of an NL MVP in 2011. Matt Kemp was awesome in MLB The Show and real life. A return of a 2011 Dodgers card would undoubtedly be game-breaking.
Miami Marlins – Jose Fernandez, SP
A career and life over far too soon, Jose Fernandez was electric for the Marlins. May seem unlikely to see Fernandez return to the game at this point. However, a Rookie of The Year card would be awesome. R.I.P.
Milwaukee Brewers – CC Sabathia, SP
CC Sabathia was a superstar pitcher, more lefty arms will be great for MLB The Show 24. His stint with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 was arguably the best stretch of his great career, finishing No. 5 in the NL CY Young voting with just 13 games played. Sabathia even works as a special assistant to the commissioner of baseball and is still prominent in the game today. Bring him back.
New York Mets – Carlos Beltran, CF
Carlos Beltran was a switch-hitting power outfielder with speed. Enough said.
Philadelphia Phillies – Steve Carlton, SP
A four-time Cy Young award winner, Carlton was a 10-time All-Star and an ERA Champion who led the league in strikeouts five times. Plus, he was an absolute workhorse on top of that. Steve Carlton is one of the greatest pitchers ever and would be a welcome addition to MLB The Show 24.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Paul Waner, RF
An absolute throwback. As one of the best right-fielders in Pirates history, Paul Waner won the MVP in 1927 with a line of .380 batting average, nine home runs and 131 RBIs!? This guy was an extra-base machine, sported a career .333 average and only struck out 327 times in his 20-year career. I’m not sure how well his stats would translate, but I’d be a fan.
San Diego Padres – Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Someone who has been in the game sporadically in recent years, just bring Adrian Gonzalez back into the game full-time. He’s a four-time gold glove winner, a silver slugger, in addition to a sweet left-handed swing and, most notably, a former cover athlete. No brainer.
San Francisco Giants – Buster Posey, C
The second greatest catcher ever behind Johnny Bench, Buster Posey was a superstar at the position and is beloved by many in baseball. Being the figurehead for great Giants teams as their MVP. Buster Posey for The Show 24, anyone?!?
St. Louis Cardinals – Scott Rolen, 3B
An overlooked great now getting his flowers in baseball, Scott Rolen was a precursor to Nolan Arenado. If Scott Rolen could have stayed healthy, we are discussing an all-time great player. Even with injuries throughout his career, he is one of the best defenders at the position and had a great bat to complement his defensive ability. I think it’s time Scott Rolen is a part of MLB The Show.
Washington Nationals – Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
Ryan Zimmerman is the Washington Nationals. He was there for the lows and the highest of highs. A very solid contributor and a legend in the Nationals’ short history. As the franchise’s first-ever draft pick in Washington, and helped win a World Series 15 years later. I couldn’t think of anyone better to bring in than Ryan Zimmerman.
Exciting Future:
I have high hopes for this year’s game after a misstep that was MLB The Show 23 in general. I’m hopeful MLB 24 will deliver on the new faces coming to the game. With many great names to choose from in the National League, it is impossible to fail.
The important thing about who SDS brings in is diversifying the player pool with options at every position. I also understand that the game cannot bring in every great player that fans demand. Regardless, MLB The Show 24 is under pressure, and missing some of these names like Tulowitzki, Rolen, Posey and Jones will have fans in a frenzy. Let’s see what they have in store.
The American League is where a lot of my favorites lay, stay tuned.
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