After four years of day-one releases on Xbox Game Pass, MLB The Show 25 will not be continuing the tradition. This unexpected move breaks a streak that started with MLB The Show 21, leaving many Xbox fans feeling let down.

The collaboration between Sony and Xbox for MLB The Show was initially met with surprise.  The inclusion of MLB The Show 21 on Game Pass was often praised, with many considering it a key selling point for the subscription service. This fueled speculation that other PlayStation exclusives might follow suit. However, this recent announcement regarding MLB The Show 25 casts doubt on those hopes, particularly for baseball enthusiasts.

While Sony's official announcement confirmed the cover athletes and release date for MLB The Show 25, it also delivered the disappointing news about the Game Pass omission and the exclusion of last-gen consoles.  Although the wording leaves the possibility of a later Game Pass release open, it remains uncertain.  The game is scheduled to launch on March 18, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Pricing is anticipated to be similar to previous releases, with the standard edition at $70 and the MVP and Deluxe editions between $85 and $100.

The reaction from Xbox Game Pass subscribers has been overwhelmingly negative. Online forums are filled with expressions of disappointment. Some users are considering sticking with MLB The Show 24, while others are finding humor in the exclusion of certain game modes like Sets and Seasons.

While controversial, Sony and San Diego Studio's decision to withhold MLB The Show 25 from Game Pass likely stems from financial considerations. Despite being available on Game Pass, the MLB The Show series has consistently performed well in sales charts.  Restricting access to the latest installment could be a strategic move to increase sales figures.  Given MLB The Show 24's strong sales performance on Xbox last year, this decision may compel Game Pass subscribers to purchase the game for access to the new content.