How long will MLB insist its cheap video game-like replays are cool?
We have already had a taste of one of MLB's new potential replay angles during the Tokyo Series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. The league gave fans the distinct pleasure of watching a virtual, low-resolution Dansby Swanson make a skillful diving catch with a view reminiscent of an early MLB: The Show franchise game. MLB, of course, hyped up the angle and camera as if it were this revolutionary, pioneering effort that will change sports broadcasting.
Spoiler alert: it will not.
MLB was back at it a few days later, telling us that watching baseball with PlayStation 2 graphics was actually The Future, the zenith of sports, and something fans would clamor for soon enough. (Shoutout to Cubs infielder Matt Shaw for being the unfortunate subject matter this time around as he rounded the bases in medium-at-best fidelity.)
Will they, though? Will they, really?
We may need this angle for every game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XnJZ14BxIH
— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2025
Dearest, we do NOT need this camera angle for every game, and we DON'T need the fire emoji to tell us that we do, either. Everyone knows the fire emoji is universal shorthand for "Wow, that was so cool." It should be reserved for things in sports that are actually mind-blowing, not some newfangled expensive toy that has already been half-invented to make the baseball viewing experience more awkward and confusing than necessary. We need to use that sort of text keyboard power wisely. Full stop!
How long will MLB keep peddling its camera angle no one asked for? I'd say after it's apparent it won't lead to any meaningful increase in profits (or viewership). Give it a few months, maybe even one whole season, just to be safe.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: MLB's new video game-like replays still look cheap, useless
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