1. Master Timing and Plate Discipline at MLB The Show 25 Stubs the Plate

Hitting in MLB The Show 25 revolves around timing, pitch recognition, and patience. One of the biggest mistakes new players make is swinging at everything. The game’s upgraded pitching AI punishes bad swings with weak contact or easy outs, so discipline is critical.

Tips for better hitting:

Use Zone Hitting: It gives you the most control and precision, especially when you learn how to track the pitcher’s release point.

Recognize pitch patterns: Pitchers often start with fastballs early in the count and use breaking balls when ahead. Learn these habits to predict pitches.

Work the count: Taking pitches helps you draw walks and forces the opposing pitcher’s confidence meter to drop. This leads to more hittable mistakes.

Also, practice using custom batting practice mode to fine-tune your reaction to different pitch speeds and types. The more comfortable you are reading release points, the more consistently you’ll drive the ball.

2. Refine Your Pitch Selection and Accuracy

Pitching wins championships — and in MLB The Show 25, precision and sequencing are everything. Each pitcher has unique break tendencies and confidence levels, which directly affect movement and control.

Pitching tips:

Mix up your pitches: Don’t rely on one dominant pitch. Alternate between fastballs, sliders, and off-speed options to keep hitters guessing.

Aim for the edges of the strike zone: Painting corners minimizes solid contact and induces weak grounders or flyouts.

Use pitch confidence wisely: Avoid spamming a pitch after a bad result. When confidence drops, the pitch becomes less effective.

Quick pitch strategically: Use the new quick pitch feature to disrupt a batter’s timing, especially in online matches.

Mastering Pinpoint Pitching is the ultimate skill ceiling for serious players. It rewards precise analog movements with elite control — but requires consistent practice to perfect.

3. Use Dynamic Fielding to Your Advantage

Fielding in MLB The Show 25 is more reactive than ever, with improved jump animations, smarter routes, and smoother glove transfers. Errors are less random and more tied to player skill and timing.

Fielding best practices:

Preload your throws: Press your throw button just before the fielder collects the ball for faster, more accurate throws.

Use the new tagging animations: The latest updates allow for smoother, more realistic tag plays, especially around second base.

Pay attention to fielder attributes: Don’t expect outfielders with low arm strength to gun down runners at home — play to each defender’s strengths.

Switch to manual catches for critical plays: When chasing deep fly balls, use manual fielding to take the most efficient path instead of relying on auto routes.

Also, in Road to the Show or Franchise mode, boosting defensive attributes like reaction and fielding percentage can turn average players into Gold Glove defenders.

4. Smart Baserunning Wins Games

Baserunning separates good players from great ones. The new MLB The Show 25 engine improves pickoff moves, slide animations, and base awareness.

Baserunning tips:

Don’t overextend leads: Pitchers will pick you off more often this year. Lead by small margins and steal only with high-speed, high-awareness players.

Use manual baserunning control: Switch to individual runner control when attempting steals or hit-and-runs for maximum precision.

Read the defense: Outfield arm strength and positioning dictate when to take the extra base. If the ball’s hit sharply to left, don’t test the throw to third.

Practicing smart, calculated aggression on the bases can create momentum and pressure opponents into defensive errors.

5. Optimize Your Team Lineup and Bullpen Management

Winning in MLB The Show 25 isn’t just about player skill — it’s about roster strategy. Lineup depth, bullpen usage, and stamina management all affect long-term success in Franchise and Diamond Dynasty.

Strategic tips:

Use platoons: Match left-handed hitters against right-handed pitchers and vice versa. Exploit favorable matchups to maximize production.

Monitor energy levels: Fatigue affects both pitchers and hitters. Keep your rotation fresh to avoid velocity drops and control issues.

Bullpen rotation: Save your top relievers for high-leverage situations. Use middle relievers early to bridge innings efficiently.

In Diamond Dynasty, mix high-contact hitters with power sluggers to balance consistency and explosiveness. A well-rounded lineup can adjust to different pitcher styles online.

6. Learn Opponent Tendencies and Adjust Mid-Game

In competitive play, adaptability wins. MLB The Show 25 features improved adaptive AI and player tendencies, meaning what worked early in the game might not work later.

Adjustment tips:

Track pitch patterns: If your opponent relies heavily on breaking balls, sit on those pitches in later innings.

Change your pitching rhythm: Vary pitch timing, location, and selection to stay unpredictable.

Adjust defensive shifts manually: Advanced players often pull or slap hits — reposition your fielders to match their tendencies.

This adaptability is especially crucial in online ranked games or tournaments, where experienced players constantly analyze your habits.

7. Use Practice Mode to Build Muscle Memory

Finally, the most overlooked feature in MLB The Show 25 is Custom Practice Mode. It’s not just for beginners — even advanced players use it to master pitch recognition, pinpoint pitching, and defensive reactions.

Spend time practicing against specific pitchers, pitch types, and locations. Set custom situations like runners in buy MLB Stubs scoring position or two-strike counts to simulate pressure scenarios. The more you practice, the better your instincts become during real games.