Pitch selection is one of the most important aspects of playing MLB The Show 26 effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, refining how you choose pitches can significantly improve your performance. In this article, we’ll break down practical tips and strategies for selecting the right pitches at the right time, focusing on key concepts that will make a noticeable difference in your gameplay.
Why Is Pitch Selection So Important?
The first question to address is why pitch selection matters so much in MLB The Show 26. On the surface, it might seem like just another mechanic to learn, but pitch selection directly impacts how effective your pitching is. A poor pitch choice can lead to missed opportunities or worse—giving up hits and runs. A well-timed, well-placed pitch, however, can lead to strikeouts, weak contact, or even double plays.
In this game, just like in real life, pitchers have a range of pitches in their arsenal. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each pitch, and knowing when to throw them, is key to keeping batters off balance. Whether you’re playing against the AI or other players online, pitch selection can make or break your game.
How Do I Know Which Pitches to Throw?
This is where understanding your pitcher’s skill set comes in. Each pitcher in MLB The Show 26 has a unique set of pitches. Some pitchers are fastball-heavy, others might rely on breaking balls, while some use off-speed pitches to get batters to chase. Knowing which pitches are most effective for your pitcher’s repertoire is the first step to improving your selection.
Fastballs
Fastballs are the most basic pitch type, and while they’re not always the most devastating, they’re reliable. The key to throwing fastballs effectively isn’t just about speed—it’s about location. A well-placed fastball, whether high, low, inside, or outside, can force weak contact or get a strikeout. Fastballs work well when you mix in other pitches to keep batters guessing.
Off-Speed Pitches
Off-speed pitches like sliders, curveballs, and changeups are designed to disrupt a batter’s timing. These pitches are crucial for keeping batters from sitting on fastballs. If you throw a fastball on every pitch, batters will eventually catch on and start hitting it with consistency. The trick is to vary the timing and placement of your off-speed pitches.
When throwing an off-speed pitch, it’s often a good idea to use them early in the count, especially if the batter is expecting a fastball. For example, a well-timed changeup can make a batter swing early and miss, or at least swing at a pitch out of the strike zone.
Breaking Balls
Breaking balls like sliders, curveballs, and knuckle curves are perfect for getting batters to chase pitches outside the strike zone. These pitches often have a lot of movement, making them harder for batters to read. The key to throwing effective breaking balls is to make sure you’re throwing them in the right locations. A curveball in the dirt can often get a swing and miss, while a slider just off the plate can make a batter chase.
Breaking balls are especially useful when you’re ahead in the count (1-2, 0-2, etc.). Batters are more likely to chase a pitch when they’re behind in the count, so using your breaking pitches when you have a batter on the ropes can be very effective.
When Should I Throw Certain Pitches?
The best pitch selection in MLB The Show 26 is all about reading the batter and adjusting accordingly. Here are some general guidelines for when to throw certain pitches.
Early in the Count (0-0, 1-0, etc.)
In the early stages of a count, you want to establish your fastball. Batters are typically looking to get ahead in the count, so a well-placed fastball can either get you ahead or generate weak contact. If you miss with your first pitch, don't be afraid to throw another fastball to get back in the count.
If you want to mix it up, an off-speed pitch like a changeup or curveball can throw off a batter’s timing. Just be careful not to hang these pitches in the strike zone. Early in the count is also a good time to throw a breaking ball to see how the batter reacts. If the batter looks uncomfortable with your curveball or slider, you can lean on those pitches more as the count progresses.
Behind in the Count (1-2, 0-2, etc.)
When you're behind in the count, you need to be more strategic. Batters are more likely to expect a pitch that’s in the strike zone. This is a great time to throw a breaking ball or an off-speed pitch to make them chase something out of the zone. You can also use your fastball to get the batter to swing through a pitch or foul it off, giving you another chance to get ahead.
A fastball high and tight can often induce a swing and miss when the batter is expecting a pitch over the plate. Or, if you're feeling bold, a slider or curveball just off the plate can get the batter to chase.
Ahead in the Count (0-2, 1-2, etc.)
Being ahead in the count is your opportunity to mix in all your pitches. This is the time to use your best breaking balls and off-speed pitches to get the batter out. With the batter under pressure, they’re more likely to swing at pitches outside the zone. Use this to your advantage and throw your breaking pitches in locations where the batter is likely to chase.
A well-executed curveball in the dirt or a slider just off the plate can work wonders when you're ahead. Don't forget to throw the occasional fastball, too—especially when you want to surprise the batter.
How Can I Get Better at Reading Batters?
The more you play, the better you'll get at reading batters and adjusting your pitch selection accordingly. Here are some tips to help you improve in this area:
Look at Batting Tendencies: Pay attention to how the AI or your opponent plays. Some batters are more aggressive, while others are more patient. If you know a batter is aggressive early in the count, try throwing a changeup or breaking ball to catch them off guard.
Use the Scout Report: MLB The Show 26 includes a detailed scout report for each batter. Use this to get an idea of a batter’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, if a batter struggles against off-speed pitches, use that to your advantage.
Mix Up Your Pitches: Don’t be predictable. Throw a variety of pitches in different locations, and try to keep the batter guessing. The more you vary your approach, the harder it will be for them to time you.
Pay Attention to the Count: As mentioned earlier, the count is a key factor in pitch selection. Always adjust your pitches based on where you are in the count.
What About Online Play?
When playing online, pitch selection becomes even more important because human opponents tend to be much more unpredictable. You’ll need to mix up your pitches more, as players online will try to read you. It’s crucial to pay attention to patterns in how they approach each at-bat. If they’re aggressive early, consider throwing off-speed pitches early in the count. If they’re more patient, work your fastballs to get ahead.
If you want to improve your online experience, consider boosting your in-game resources. One way to do this is to buy MLB The Show 26 stubs online, which can help you get better pitchers or improve your team's roster for a more competitive edge.
Improving pitch selection in MLB The Show 26 takes time, but with practice, you can refine your strategy and start seeing better results. Focus on understanding your pitcher’s strengths, reading the batter’s tendencies, and adjusting based on the count. With the right approach, your pitching game will become a huge asset, whether you're facing the AI or competing against other players.
