MLB The Show 17

Release and General Reception

MLB The Show 17, released on March 28, 2017, by San Diego Studio, is often hailed as a fan favorite for its balanced gameplay and the depth of its Diamond Dynasty mode. Featuring Ken Griffey Jr. on the cover, the game brought nostalgic excitement and a host of gameplay features that resonated with long-time fans of the series. However, it also introduced some of the most memorable and controversial content in the franchise’s history, with challenging grinds, overpowered cards, and unique gameplay quirks that have become legendary in the community.

Diamond Dynasty: A Game-Changing Year

MLB The Show 17 marked a significant evolution in Diamond Dynasty, emphasizing both content depth and progression mechanics that demanded dedication. It was the last game in the series to feature all player cards with a 0-99 attribute scale, providing a more balanced playing field before future entries shifted to attribute caps exceeding 99.

The Pepe Alazar Controversy and Immortal Status

The game is perhaps most famous for introducing the highest-rated card ever released in the series: Pepe Alazar. A fictional character with perfect 99 attributes across the board, Pepe was available only after players completed an infamously grueling series of missions involving everything from stat challenges with common cards to lengthy online objectives. The card’s existence sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the sheer challenge while others felt frustrated by the disproportionate effort required.

The Iconic 99 Overall Postseason Carlos Beltran

In addition to Pepe Alazar, MLB The Show 17 featured what many consider the best real player card ever: the 99 overall Postseason Carlos Beltran. Available through the in-game ticket counter—a secondary currency system that could not be purchased and was earned solely through gameplay—Beltran became an instant fixture in competitive lineups. As a switch-hitting centerfielder with elite power, contact, and speed, he stood out as the most versatile and dominant real card in the game. Unlike Pepe, Beltran did not require extensive grinding; players could redeem him with tickets as long as they hadn’t exhausted their currency on other items.

Gameplay Quirks: The First Base Out of Position Loophole

MLB The Show 17 also had some unique gameplay mechanics that players exploited to their advantage. One such loophole was the negligible out-of-position (OOP) penalty for cards placed at first base. This led many to slot high-value cards—regardless of their primary position—into the first base slot to maximize their lineup. For instance, lineups often included Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout, and Ted Williams in the outfield, with another star outfielder, such as Carlos Beltran, placed at first base. This flexibility provided competitive players with an edge in creating powerhouse lineups, as there were virtually no penalties for fielding non-first basemen in that role.

Ticket Counter and Unique Currency Systems

The ticket counter was an intriguing feature that differentiated MLB The Show 17 from later entries. Players could accrue tickets by participating in gameplay, which could then be exchanged for exclusive cards and items. The availability of the 99 Postseason Carlos Beltran through this system highlighted its importance, as the card’s elite stats and switch-hitting capability made him indispensable for competitive play. This system rewarded consistent gameplay but did not require the same intensive grind as other card acquisition methods.

Player Experience: The Grind and Reward Structure

The grind-heavy nature of MLB The Show 17 defined the player experience. To unlock Pepe Alazar, players had to complete seven sequential missions that demanded daunting feats with various cards and stats in online play. By comparison, obtaining the Postseason Beltran felt like a well-earned break from the relentless mission chains, as it only required enough gameplay to earn the necessary tickets.

Despite the satisfaction of earning these high-tier cards, many players felt fatigued by the endless grind. The complexity and length of the missions meant that, for many, playing the game became secondary to completing objectives. This grind-centric model influenced future discussions in the community and led to a gradual shift in subsequent games toward more skill-based rewards, such as those available in Battle Royale (BR) and Ranked Seasons.

Legacy and Long-Term Impact

MLB The Show 17 remains an iconic entry for its deep content and gameplay quirks that allowed for creative team-building. The out-of-position strategy at first base and the legendary status of the Postseason Carlos Beltran card, combined with the infamy of Pepe Alazar, left an indelible mark on the franchise. These elements highlighted the importance of balancing challenging grinds with skill-based rewards, influencing the development of future iterations. The lessons learned from MLB The Show 17 helped shape a community that values not just dedication, but also skill and strategic play.