Chicago Cubs: Three legends that need to be in MLB the Show

Ron Santo should be among his fellow Chicago Cubs greats in MLB the Show.

When it comes to Hall of Fame third basemen, Ron Santo continually seems to be overlooked in favor of players like George Brett and Mike Schmidt, both of whom currently have cards in MLB the Show. Still, I feel Santo more than deserves a spot in the game for his years of incredible play with the Cubs and his defense.

I could easily see Santo’s best card being a Prime series one for his stellar stretch from 1963 to 1969. During those seasons, Santo was named an All-Star six times, earned five Gold Glove awards at third base, and garnered MVP votes in each of those seven seasons. He demonstrated good power numbers and on-base skills, hitting around 30 home runs each year, leading the league in OBP twice, and in walks four times.

During this stretch, his lowest OPS+ was 126, which is still well above average. A Prime (or even Signature) Santo would almost certainly be a 99 overall with high contact and vision, solid power, and great defense. More importantly, it would finally complete the puzzle of the team’s retired numbers as he’s the only Cubs great with a retired number not to be featured in MLB the Show (Greg Maddux just made it in this year).

It feels like it’s only a matter of time before Santo makes it into the game, especially given the presence of his contemporaries. Though, with The Show 20 making a push towards adding more 90s and early 2000s players, it may be a bit before we can get the 1960s Chicago Cubs band back together and have Ronnie step up to the plate again. Still, I personally really want him in, even if Schmidt’s and Brett’s cards are really good.