Tue Feb 04 17:20:00 UTC 2025: ## MLB The Show 25 Cover Snub Sparks Debate, Offseason Moves Analyzed
**By Ken Rosenthal**
The selection of Paul Skenes, Gunnar Henderson, and Elly De La Cruz for the cover of MLB The Show 25 has sparked controversy, with many questioning the omission of Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Witt, who finished second in AL MVP voting, boasts superior accomplishments to the chosen trio, prompting debate about the criteria used by Sony Interactive Entertainment. While Sony cited the desire to showcase young stars, Witt’s exclusion has highlighted the subjective nature of such selections.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have had a relatively quiet offseason, making only modest additions to their roster. While President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski achieved his goals, this marks the first time since 2016-17 that the Phillies haven’t signed a multi-year free agent. However, with significant payroll flexibility coming in 2026, the team is expected to be more active then, potentially addressing their aging roster and targeting players like Kyle Tucker. The potential for a 2027 lockout adds complexity to their long-term planning.
The San Diego Padres, under GM A.J. Preller, have also been unusually inactive, raising questions about their financial constraints amidst a family dispute over team ownership. While Preller expressed a need for additional bats and arms, the team’s high luxury tax payroll and relatively few available free agents might limit their options.
The Toronto Blue Jays, currently exceeding the luxury tax threshold, have the financial capacity to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and sign a prominent free agent like Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman without breaching the highest tax level. While adding these players would push them close to the next tax tier, potentially impacting draft position, the Jays might deem such a trade-off worthwhile given their overall team strength. The Jays’ recent additions of Anthony Santander, Max Scherzer, and other free agents show they are still an active team, though they might not get all of their desired targets.
The Kansas City Royals weren’t the only team vying for Anthony Santander, as the Los Angeles Angels also made offers. However, Santander chose a five-year, $92.5 million deal with Toronto, highlighting the complexities of free agency negotiations and the impact of deferred payments on luxury-tax implications. The Angels might now look for a closer or setup men.
Jack Flaherty’s decision to accept a two-year, $35 million contract with an opt-out after one year from the Detroit Tigers underscores the challenges for even young, talented pitchers in securing long-term deals. The deal reflects Flaherty’s risk-assessment and the possibility of seeking a higher salary in 2026.
Finally, the hesitancy of some teams to sign free agent Nick Pivetta after he rejected a qualifying offer illustrates how draft-pick compensation significantly impacts free agency decisions, particularly given the possibility of a future lockout. A number of other free-agent hitters remain unsigned, awaiting the decisions of Alonso and Bregman.
First Piper 