MLB The Show 19 still allows you to carry over your franchise mode save from the last version into the new game. However, if you’re interested in starting from scratch, there are some intriguing franchises to take control of for the 2019 season.
The Operation Sports Full Minors roster isn’t out yet, but there is one created by a bpearn113 that is pretty solid. If nothing else, you can use it until the OSFM rosters are done, which may take a while this year since there has been some transition in the group that usually handles the project.
When choosing a team to control in franchise mode, it’s easy to go for a squad like the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees or even the Chicago Cubs. I’m a lifelong Cubs fan so it’s predetermined, I’ll have at least one franchise mode with my hometown team every year.
Because the Cubs have been good over the past four years, I’ve had to look elsewhere for a real franchise mode challenge. Not all of the challenges are created equal, though, and I’ve separated it into three categories. I narrowed it down to one team per category along with some honorable mentions.
Exciting and Just About There
Atlanta Braves
I’ve got three words for you…Ronald Acuna Jr. The 21-year-old reigning National League Rookie of the Year from 2018 is the kind of player you want to control in a video game. He’s already rated an 89 overall and the upside is insane. If you get to your third or fourth season, there is a chance he’ll reach a 99 overall.
When you also consider the 29-year-old Freddie Freeman is rated a 90 overall and the 33-year-old Josh Donaldson is at an 87 overall, you know you have some pop in the lineup. There is also awesome second basemen Ozzie Albies.
So where is the challenge with the Braves?
It comes in dealing with the team’s modest pitching staff. The 30-year-old, 80-overall-rated Mike Foltynewicz is the ace, and he’s hurt to begin the season. Julio Teheran, who is 28, is rated only a 79. If you’re going to do something with the Braves, you’ll need to find consistent starting pitching.
Honorable Mentions
- Los Angeles Angels
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Colorado Rockies
Intriguing But Still Building
Toronto Bluejays
Just as you’re likely excited to control Acuna Jr., many fans can’t wait to take virtual cuts with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Again, to have access to him, you’ll have to download the aforementioned custom roster–or wait a few weeks for him to make his MLB debut and for Sony’s update immediately afterward.
Guerrero is baseball’s top prospect and he’s only 20 years old. He has insane power potential and a cool factor. Also, the Jays’ top four players are all 28 years old or younger, including 84-rated closer Ken Giles. Toronto isn’t ready to contend, but with some time, training and the maturation of Guerrero Jr., it should be a fun team to control on their journey to contention.
Honorable Mentions
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Chicago White Sox
The Biggest Challenge
Miami Marlins
Let’s just be honest, the Marlins are a dumpster fire. They do have a solid ace in Caleb Smith. He’s only 27 years old and rated an 80 overall. You had better take control of the team now if you’re interested because based on their track record, Smith might be the next man traded.
Aside from him, no other player is rated in the 80s and the team isn’t terribly young. The highest-rated farm system player the Marlins have is 29-year-old Jon Berti. According to MLB.com, the organization’s top prospect is 19-year-old starting pitcher Sixto Sanchez.
In the custom roster, he is in Triple-A with a realistic 65 overall rating. Translation: significant help isn’t coming any time soon. The Marlins have few trade assets, and the ones they do have, you couldn’t move, because if you did, you’d kill the future and that’s about this team has to look forward to in its current state.
You might actually be better off simming this team’s MLB games and playing with the Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes. If you’re really looking for a challenge. Try taking this team to a World Series.
Honorable Mention
- Baltimore Orioles
