Cal Raleigh might’ve missed out on being the cover athlete for MLB The Show 26, but thanks to Baseball Hits 26, he can live out his dreams of being on the cover of a game. Oh, you haven’t heard of that game? That’s because it’s brand new. From Ares Interactive and its 7th Inning Studio comes a totally new mobile game.
Ares Interactive, 7th Inning Studio Reveal Baseball Hits 26
Baseball Hits 26 is described as a “free-to-play mobile game built for fast, approachable gameplay that captures the authentic feel of big league baseball.” That first adjective, which is that it’s free for gamers, is perhaps the most important. In the era of $70 AAA titles in the gaming world, even mobile games that are free are a welcome sight.
It has intuitive one-touch controls, including a simple tap to swing and a simple tap to pitch. You can jump into the gameplay from the very first at-bat and get full, nine-inning baseball games moving and complete them in a matter of minutes, no pitch clock necessary.
What’s more, this particular mobile game is designed for portrait play. So many of the top mobile games, including MLB9Innings, are in landscape mode, but players won’t need to change the angle for Baseball Hits 26. And unlike some other games (not MLB9Innings, though), this one features licensed MLB players.
That’s why Cal Raleigh can be on the cover and in your lineup. You can collect cards for a range of MLB superstars, including Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, Jose Ramirez, Kyle Tucker, Fernando Tatis Jr., and more!
“Having the opportunity to partner with Ares Interactive as the cover athlete for Baseball Hits 26 is a highlight,” said Cal Raleigh, an All-Star catcher and MVP runner-up in 2025. “The game is going to be perfect for road trips when I’ve got some downtime and just want to have a little fun.”
“Baseball Hits 26 is a partnership MLB Players, Inc. is excited to be part of,” said Evan Kaplan, President of MLB Players, Inc, the licensing agency for Baseball Hits 26. “This new game will be a great option for fans looking for quick-play virtual baseball action. The veteran developers at 7th Inning Studio are just the team to deliver an authentic experience.”
While the focus here was an authentic baseball feel with simple controls, the game is also very much a social experience. Baseball Hits 26 will include clubs that put gamers in contact with one another and allow them to work towards goals together. There will be live events and tournaments. There’s even a Discord server for the game to further connect everyone.
At launch, game content will include Home Run challenges and playoffs to ensure you get to experience the biggest moments of the sport. Additionally, Ares Interactive is planning new content and player drops to be rolled out all year long.
“Baseball is a game of timing, those split-second moments when every swing and every pitch can change everything, and we wanted that tension and payoff to translate instantly on mobile,” said Michael Saperstein, Director of Engineering at 7th Inning. “Baseball Hits 26 is faster and more approachable than a traditional simulation, but it still feels like real baseball and rewards players with collaborative social play, deep strategy, competitive progression, and meaningful stats.”
9th Inning
The only downside for Baseball Hits 26 is that it’s not out just yet. You’ll have to be patient and play other baseball mobile games to tide you over. For now, you can pre-register on the App Store and Google Play to play the game as soon as it’s live.
