MLB The Show 16

The game features more game modes than the previous iteration MLB The Show 15, such as Road To The Show and an all-new franchise mode. In addition, Conquest Mode and Battle Royale have been added to Diamond Dynasty.[3]

MLB The Show 16 received generally positive reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.

Destructoid gave the game 7.5 out of 10, taking issue with the lack of collision physics, Quick Count system, technical issues, commentary, and mediocre soundtrack, while lauding the core gameplay, writing, "If MLB The Show‘s new MO is just coasting on the good gameplay and providing minor tweaks to disparate modes...then there’s no greater candidate for games-as-service that I can see...the baseball itself is as good as ever, and one of the better modes, Road to the Show, is far less clunky this time around."[8] IGN called it "the best baseball game available on any current-gen console", commending the animations, graphics, various modes, load times, and depth via consumable perks and the morale system. Game Informer praised the title's departure from being an authentic simulation, addition of new modes, and the core gameplay while likening the new gameplay experience to that of a superhero game.[14] USgamer gave the title a 4 out of 5, concluding, "If you're a curious newcomer who likes baseball, you will find an extremely strong baseball sim; but if you're a returning player, your mileage will probably vary depending on how willing you are to indulge in The Show's card-collecting mode."[17] Polygon praised its iteration upon its predecessor, writing, "MLB The Show 16's additions and changes may not be breakthroughs, but they refine weaker areas of the game that had been routine or even chorelike."[15]

GameRevolution reviewed the game less positively, praising its in-depth feature modes, lighting engine, and representation of MLB careers, and expressed frustration with its new focus on RPG elements and the dated graphics while still noting, "MLB The Show 16 is a solid sim that plays well and looks better than ever."[10] GameSpot heavily praised the Conquest and Diamond Dynasty modes, visuals, lighting, stadium detail, options, and incremental improvements, but cited the presence of perks and microtransactions as negatives.[11] GamesRadar+ thought highly of the presentation, accessibility, pitching engine, and roster updates, while the scouting system and bloat of content were seen as minor negatives.[12] Shacknews liked the core gameplay, accessibility, visuals, presentation, quality of life improvements, amount of content, and perks, but disliked the microtransactions, lag, and finicky controls.[16]