I've never checked out SDS as a company before Based on their 2004 web 2.0 homepage, error message when attempting to apply for a job and seeing that the average salary is around $77k for a video game programmer in the San Diego area (which is the same as $40k for someone down south) - we're clearly dealing with a small business with limited resources.
They last game they made aside from The Show was in 2017
Clearly they're not attracting the best and brightest in the industry. I worked for MLB.com/Bamtech a few years back and I'm assuming they're on or just above the level of the RBI production crew who sat in the section next to mine.
This year, it's far more about microtransactions due to the bad rewards (aside from the main program bosses) and removal of TA - you gotta rip packs. So you either spent 1/2 your day flipping/echanging or pony up real dollars to have any shot at coming close to the LS collection. Play 16 hours a day to complete RS unless you're a top, top player.
With that said - if you're moving in the direction of microtransactions, those funds HAVE TO BE reinvested in to finding better talent in the production/coding department. If they're not and you come out with the same BS next year...well....RIP
Good luck