Baseball returns on Xbox 360 with MLB 2K13

In a surprise announcement today, 2K Sports has confirmed that the company has reached an agreement with Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and Major League Baseball Advanced Media to release Major League Baseball 2K13. This will give Xbox 360 owners a chance to play a baseball game simulator. It will also be released on PS3, although PlayStation owners have the Sony exclusive MLB 13 The Show to look forward to.

MLB 2K13 returns on March 5, 2013 with the series' signature Perfect Game Challenge, 2K Sports' $1 million competition that rewards players throw a perfect game. This year, 2K will introduce a new contest format with "exciting ways to win", although they have not revealed the details.

“We’d like to thank our league partners for their support in helping us reach an agreement to bring back MLB 2K,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “We know fans are extremely passionate about the MLB 2K series and the Perfect Game Challenge.”

As far as gameplay features, there was no mention about anything new in the press release. Given the short development window, I'd say it's unlikely we get any major features this year — unless 2K was secretly working on the game in case a deal came through last minute (though i doubt this was the case). It'll likely be similar to last year's version which many were disappointed with.

We do know, however, that Tampa Bay Rays' ace pitcher David Price will be on the cover of the game. Price was recently named the American League Cy Young Award winner after posting a 20-5 record and league-best 2.56 ERA. Price "edged out" last year's cover athlete Justin Verlander. This is the third consecutive Cy Young Award winner to grace the cover of an MLB 2K game.

We'll be sure to keep you updated with any news we hear about MLB 2K13's development.