Reading Hitters and Adapting Mid-Game
The most successful pitchers aren’t just executing their game plan — they’re adapting to MLB The Show 25 Stubs the hitter’s approach. MLB The Show 25 simulates batter tendencies with incredible accuracy, rewarding pitchers who can read the situation.
Watch Swing Timing: The swing feedback shows “Early,” “Late,” or “Good.” If a hitter is consistently early, start mixing in slower pitches. If they’re late, pepper them with fastballs.
Note Aggressiveness: Some batters swing at everything; others wait for mistakes. Against aggressive hitters, throw breaking pitches just outside the zone. Against patient hitters, sneak in strikes early in the count.
Study Hot and Cold Zones: Every batter has strengths and weaknesses. The pre-pitch display shows these zones — red for strong, blue for weak. Attack the blue areas relentlessly.
Pro Tip: Use a few “waste pitches” — intentional balls that look tempting but drift out of the zone. It’s an old-school trick that still works wonders in MLB The Show 25.
Situational Pitching – When Strategy Matters Most
Pitch selection should also depend on the situation. A smart pitcher tailors their approach based on count, runners, and game state.
Ahead in the Count (0–2, 1–2): Don’t give in. Expand the zone with breaking balls or off-speed pitches just outside the strike zone.
Behind in the Count (2–0, 3–1): Go to your most reliable strike pitch, usually a fastball or sinker. Avoid hanging breaking balls — those get crushed.
Double Play Situations: Use pitches with downward movement like sinkers or changeups low in the zone to induce ground balls.
Late-Game Pressure: When fatigue sets in, simplify your approach. Stick to your two best pitches and focus on precision over power.
The Mental Game – Outsmarting Opponents
Pitching isn’t just physical; it’s psychological. The best pitchers manipulate hitters’ expectations. Mix up your patterns, disguise your pitch selection, and make your opponent second-guess every swing.
Try throwing a changeup in a fastball count or opening with a curveball when they expect heat. Use quick pitches or long pauses between throws to disrupt rhythm. The more uncomfortable you make the hitter, the more control you have over the at-bat.
Pro Tip: If you’re playing against human opponents in Diamond Dynasty, use the pitch delay and buy MLB Stubs tempo as a weapon. Keeping your opponent guessing between pitches adds another layer of strategy.