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The MLB The Show community is never shy about voicing their opinions, and a recent post on r/MLBTheShow has reignited one of the most enduring debates among fans: which legendary players should be added to the game next. The thread asked users to share the player they most want to see join the roster, and the responses painted a clear picture of both nostalgia MLB The Show 25 Stubs and longing for baseball icons who have yet to make their way into the digital diamond.

While the community's wish list was filled with big names from different eras, one stood above the rest—Barry Bonds.

Barry Bonds: The Unmatched Top Choice

The top comment on the thread, earning 51 upvotes, called for the inclusion of Barry Bonds, citing his status as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Bonds' career numbers remain staggering: 762 career home runs, seven MVP awards, and a record-breaking 73 home runs in a single season in 2001. His combination of power, plate discipline, and fear factor in the batter's box is unparalleled.

However, as fans are well aware, Bonds has been absent from MLB The Show for years due to licensing and union-related hurdles. He's not a member of the MLB Players Association, and his career remains intertwined with the controversies of the steroid era. Yet, those factors haven't stopped players from wanting to step into the virtual cleats of a player who fundamentally changed the way pitchers approached the game.

On X (formerly Twitter), Bonds' name frequently trends in discussions about missing legends in MLB The Show, often paired with comments like “Imagine hitting 500-foot bombs with Bonds in DD” or “He's the Michael Jordan of baseball games missing their biggest star.”

Sammy Sosa: The Fan-Favorite Showman

Coming in second on the Reddit thread with 38 upvotes was Sammy Sosa. Known for his infectious charisma, signature hop after big home runs, and iconic 1998 home run chase alongside Mark McGwire, Sosa was one of the most recognizable faces in baseball during the late '90s and early 2000s.

Sosa's absence from MLB The Show is another licensing casualty, but fans believe his style and personality would translate perfectly into the game's animations. Picture his trademark hop after connecting on a hanging curveball or his elaborate dugout handshakes—elements that would make him a fan-favorite in Diamond Dynasty.

Alex Rodriguez: The Complete Superstar

Alex Rodriguez took the third spot on the community's list with 33 upvotes. A-Rod's career combined elite hitting, power, and defensive skill at both shortstop and third base. With 696 career home runs and over 3,000 hits, Rodriguez's numbers place him firmly among the all-time greats.

Like Bonds and Sosa, Rodriguez's absence is tied to licensing and his complicated legacy. Still, fans dream of building lineups featuring A-Rod alongside current stars like Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge. His positional flexibility alone would make him an incredibly valuable addition to both competitive and casual lineups.

Manny Ramirez: The Hitting Savant

Fourth on the list, with 20 upvotes, was Manny Ramirez, one of the purest right-handed hitters the game has ever seen. Ramirez was a 12-time All-Star, World Series MVP, and one of the central figures of the “Curse-breaking” 2004 Boston Red Sox team.

Fans cited his unmatched combination of batting eye and clutch hitting as reasons they want him in the game. His personality—part intense competitor, part unpredictable showman—would make him a colorful addition to MLB The Show, particularly in Franchise and Diamond Dynasty modes.

Ichiro Suzuki: The Speed and Contact King

Rounding out the top five, with 17 upvotes, was Ichiro Suzuki. The Japanese legend is beloved for his lightning-fast speed, incredible contact ability, and pinpoint throwing arm from right field. His 3,000+ MLB hits (and over 4,000 combined between Japan and MLB) are a testament to his consistency and discipline.

Ichiro's inclusion would offer something unique in a game environment that often rewards power above all else. His ability to leg out infield singles, steal bases, and gun down runners from the outfield would give players a different strategic option in Diamond Dynasty.

Other Notable Mentions

While the top five dominated the discussion, other names also surfaced in the thread, showing the diversity of fan nostalgia:

Roger Clemens – One of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, with seven Cy Young Awards. Fans imagine pairing him with modern aces for dream rotations.

Mark McGwire – Another key figure in the 1998 home run race, remembered for jaw-dropping power.

Shoeless Joe Jackson – A nod to baseball history buffs, with his career cut short by the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Fans want to see his legendary swing recreated in-game.

These mentions didn't receive as many upvotes but highlight the depth of baseball history fans want represented.

The Licensing and Controversy Hurdles

One recurring theme in the conversation was frustration over licensing issues and the challenges of adding controversial figures to the game. Many of these players—particularly Bonds, Sosa, Clemens, McGwire, and Rodriguez—are tied to the steroid era, which MLB has historically been hesitant to glorify.

In MLB The Show, legends typically appear through licensing agreements with the MLB Players Alumni Association or direct deals with the players themselves. Players not part of these groups require individual negotiations, often complicated by image rights, reputation concerns, or personal choice.

Why Fans Keep Asking

Despite these obstacles, the persistent calls for these legends show just how much fans value authenticity and historical representation. Baseball video games have the unique ability to bridge eras, allowing users to pit Babe Ruth against Jacob deGrom, or see how Ken Griffey Jr. would fare against Gerrit Cole. Adding names like Bonds, Sosa, and A-Rod would only enhance that fantasy.

It's not just about stats—it's about the memories. Many players grew up watching these athletes redefine what was possible on a baseball field, and they want to relive that magic in a modern, interactive form.

The Bottom Line

The Reddit discussion and the wider chatter on X make one thing crystal clear: the demand for legends like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Alex Rodriguez is as strong as ever. While licensing and controversies may keep them out of MLB The Show for now, the fanbase's passion ensures their names will keep resurfacing until, perhaps someday, they finally take the virtual field.

Until then, fans can only dream of the towering home runs, clutch hits, buy MLB The Show and unforgettable moments these icons would bring to the game.