The folks over at San Diego Studio gave MLB The Show 23 players a fresh roster and ratings update on April 23, the first major one of the year. A number of players who have been off to hot starts saw their ratings jump, including two hurlers who may end 2023 as finalists — or winner — for the AL Cy Young award.
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As far as Diamond Dynasty is concerned, there were a number of players that rose up to Diamond status in the first roster update. Among the new Diamond players include D-Backs starter Zac Gallen (85 OVR, +2), Mariners ace Luis Castillo (86 OVR, +4), Padres closer Josh Hader (86 OVR, +2), Dodgers catcher Will Smith (86 OVR, +2) and Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (86 OVR, +2). Adley Rutschman (86 OVR, +3) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (86 OVR, +2) also saw their Live Series cards go Diamond.
It’s not a shock to see several of these names move up. Castillo and Alonso, in particular, have been off to torrid starts. Luis Castillo struck out 26 over his first 24.2 innings pitched in 2023 and owns a miniscule .73 ERA in that span. Alonso, meanwhile, blasted nine home runs over the first four weeks over the regular season. The Mets first baseman is currently tied with Cubs infielder/outfielder Patrick Wisdom for the league lead in homers.
Yankees starter Gerrit Cole jumped up to a 90 OVR in the first update, a +3 OVR jump. With a slew of injuries dealt to the Bronx Bombers, Cole’s been the reliable ace the team needed in the early goings of 2023. Cole is 4-0 with a .95 ERA over 28.1 innings.
There were also a number of players who saw their ratings drop significantly. White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez went down to a 72 OVR (-4) after a tough start to his 2023, while Alek Manoah is down to a 79 OVR. Manoah currently owns a 6.98 ERA in 2023, a far cry from what he did in 2021 and 2022.
Other players who saw their ratings drop include Josh Bell (72 OVR, -3), Padres SP Blake Snell (77 OVR, -3), Corbin Burnes (86 OVR, -3), and 2022 NL Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara (83 OVR, -2).
One other notable note for this roster update is the return of Fernando Tatis Jr. With Tatis Jr.’s PED suspension complete, the MLB The Show 21 cover athlete is back on the Padres roster and in Diamond Dynasty yet again. The superstar’s Live Series card clocks in at 89 OVR.
In addition to the roster update, San Diego Studio added new cards to the April Topps Now program, plus a new Charisma Series Program that includes ten new Diamond cards.
