Hitting in MLB The Show 25 can be one of MLB The Show 25 Stubs the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the game. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, mastering the art of hitting is crucial to building a winning team and dominating online or offline gameplay. With updated mechanics, new pitch types, and refined hitting controls, MLB The Show 25 demands precision, timing, and strategy.
If you want to crush the ball consistently and become a feared hitter, this article breaks down the best hitting tips you need to succeed in MLB The Show 25.
1. Understand the New Hitting Mechanics and Timing
MLB The Show 25 introduces subtle tweaks to the hitting system, emphasizing timing and pitch recognition more than ever.
Timing is Everything: Waiting just a fraction of a second too long or too early can turn a potential home run into a strikeout or weak ground ball.
Practice in Training Mode: Spend time in batting practice and training mode to get a feel for the timing windows. Notice how different pitches like sliders, curves, and fastballs affect your swing timing.
Adjust for Pitch Speed: Faster pitches require earlier swings, while off-speed pitches need delayed reactions.
Mastering timing is the foundation of hitting success.
2. Learn to Recognize Pitch Types and Patterns
Pitch recognition is the key to deciding when and how to swing:
Watch the Pitcher’s Delivery: Each pitch type has a unique release animation and ball trajectory. Learn to spot these early.
Anticipate Pitch Sequences: Skilled pitchers use predictable patterns—fastball, then off-speed; inside fastball followed by outside curveball. Study their tendencies.
Use Zone and Meter Hitting Tools: If you struggle with pitch recognition, try using zone hitting, which lets you target your swing within the strike zone, or meter hitting, which uses a timing bar.
The more you can predict the pitch, the better your chance to adjust and make solid contact.
3. Position Your Batter Properly in the Batter’s Box
Your position in the batter’s box affects how you see and hit pitches:
Move Closer or Farther From the Plate: Adjust your stance to cover the strike zone better. Standing closer helps with inside pitches, while stepping back aids with outside pitches.
Adjust for Pitcher Tendencies: If the pitcher likes to throw inside, move back slightly. If they go outside, step in to shorten your swing.
Use the Left/Right Thumbstick: You can reposition your batter using the left thumbstick before the pitch to better cover the zone.
Proper positioning increases your chances of making contact on tough pitches.
4. Mix Up Your Swing Types: Contact, Power, and Directional
MLB The Show 25 offers multiple swing options, each suited to different situations:
Contact Swing: Use this for putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts, especially with two strikes or when you need to move runners.
Power Swing: Best for when you want to drive the ball deep, but it carries higher risk of strikeouts or weak contact.
Directional Hitting: This allows you to aim your hit to specific parts of the field using the right stick. Use it to exploit defensive alignments or hit behind runners.
Experiment with swing types depending on your player’s stats and the game situation.
5. Pay Attention to the Strike Zone and Pitch Location
Not every pitch in the strike zone is equally hittable:
Focus on the Sweet Spot: Pitches over the middle of the plate or the batter’s hot zones are prime for big hits.
Avoid Chasing Bad Pitches: Don’t swing at pitches low and away or high and outside unless you’re confident you can make contact.
Use the Strike Zone Overlay: Enable the strike zone overlay in settings to improve your judgment on balls and strikes.
Discerning pitch location leads to better plate discipline and more walks or quality at-bats.
6. Use The Situational Approach to Batting
Great hitters adapt their approach based on the game context:
With Runners on Base: Consider hitting to the opposite field or using a contact swing to advance runners.
In Late Innings or Close Games: Avoid risky power swings. Play for contact and get on base.
Know Your Player’s Strengths: Power hitters thrive on the long ball, while contact hitters excel at putting the ball in play.
Adjusting your batting strategy situationally will improve your overall offensive production.
7. Practice Patience and Work the Count
Plate discipline is a hallmark of elite hitters:
Take Pitches: Don’t swing at every pitch. Let balls go and wait for your pitch.
Draw Walks: Taking pitches outside the zone can lead to walks, which help your team more than swinging at bad pitches.
Use Pitch Out and Check Swing: Master the controls for check swings and avoid chasing pitches out of the zone.
A patient hitter wears down pitchers and increases run-scoring opportunities.
8. Utilize Batting Stances and Hot Zones
Your batter’s stance and hot zones impact your hitting performance:
Experiment With Different Stances: Some stances help you pick up the ball earlier or generate more power.
Target Hot Zones: Every player has zones where they hit better. Try to get into counts or positions where you can attack these zones.
Adjust Hot Zones in Custom Modes: In modes like Road to the Show, you can improve your player’s hot zones through training.
Optimizing stances and hot zones can elevate your hitting stats.
9. Don’t Ignore Bunting and Hit-and-Run Plays
Sometimes the best hit is a strategic one:
Bunting: Use bunt to move runners over or surprise your opponent. Master both sacrifice and drag bunts.
Hit-and-Run: Combine bunts or contact swings with runner movement to exploit defensive shifts.
Practice Timing: Bunting requires precise timing and control, so practice in training mode.
Adding these plays to your arsenal makes you a more versatile and unpredictable hitter.
10. Analyze Your Replays and Learn From Mistakes
Constant improvement comes from reviewing your gameplay:
Watch Replays: Pay attention to why you missed pitches or got struck out.
Look for Patterns: Are you swinging early? Are you missing off-speed pitches more often?
Adjust Your Approach: Use insights to tweak your timing, pitch recognition, or positioning.
Self-analysis accelerates your learning curve and helps you adapt to tougher opponents.
Bonus Tips: Use Advanced Batting Settings and Hotkeys
Enable Timing Feedback: Some modes offer feedback on your swing timing, which can be invaluable.
Map Hotkeys: Customize your controller layout to quickly switch between swing types.
Try Different Hit Modes: Zone, Meter, and Directional hitting each have their strengths—find what suits you best.
Personalizing your setup enhances comfort and performance.
Final Thoughts
Hitting in MLB The Show 25 is a skill that requires patience, practice, and strategy. By understanding the game’s mechanics, learning to read pitchers, mixing up your swings, and playing situational baseball, you’ll elevate your hitting prowess dramatically.
Don’t get discouraged by early struggles—every great hitter started with basics. Use the tips above, spend time in practice modes, and keep refining your approach. Before long, you’ll be crushing pitches, driving in runs, and leading your team to victory.
So step up to the plate, tighten your grip, and get ready to dominate the diamond with MLB Stubs these essential hitting tips for MLB The Show 25!