In MLB The Show 25, pitching is more than just selecting a pitch and hoping for a strike. It requires careful strategy, knowledge of your pitcher’s strengths, and an understanding of the batter you’re facing. Choosing the right pitch at the right moment can make the difference between a strikeout, a weak groundout, or a long fly ball. This guide breaks down the best pitches in MLB The Show 25 and MLB 25 Stubs
offers advice on when to throw them to maximize effectiveness.

1. Fastball:Power and Control

The fastball remains one of the most reliable pitches in MLB The Show 25. Its speed allows pitchers to overpower batters, making it ideal for early counts or when ahead in the count. Fastballs come in different variations, such as four-seam, two-seam, and cut fastballs, each offering a unique movement.

Four-seam fastball:Known for its straight trajectory and high velocity, this pitch is best used to challenge hitters directly or to set up off-speed pitches. It works well high in the zone, where batters may struggle to time the pitch.

Two-seam fastball:Slightly slower than the four-seam, the two-seamer has movement that tails into the batter. It is effective for inducing ground balls, especially against right-handed hitters for right-handed pitchers.

Cutter:This pitch moves away from the pitcher’s arm side and is ideal for breaking bats or keeping hitters off balance. It works well late in counts when the batter is expecting a fastball down the middle.

When to throw:Fastballs are versatile and can be used in nearly every count. Early in the count, they establish velocity and control. When ahead in the count, fastballs can surprise the batter with placement and movement.

2. Curveball:Breaking Pitches That Fool Batters

The curveball is a classic breaking pitch that drops sharply as it approaches the plate. Its primary advantage is changing the batter’s eye level, making them commit too early or swing over the top of the ball. Curveballs are especially effective against hitters who struggle with timing or are aggressive early in the count.

When behind in the count:Throwing a curveball when down 1-2 or 0-2 can lure batters into swinging at pitches outside the strike zone.

When ahead in the count:Use it as a surprise pitch to make the batter overcommit to a fastball pattern.

Curveballs work best when paired with fastballs, creating a contrast in speed and trajectory. This keeps batters guessing and increases the chances of striking them out.

3. Slider:Sharp, Lateral Movement

The slider is one of the most effective pitches for missing bats. Unlike the curveball, it moves more horizontally, breaking away from the hitter’s swing path. Sliders are particularly useful against same-handed hitters because the pitch appears to “slide” out of their hitting zone.

When ahead in the count:A slider can be devastating when used after establishing a fastball pattern.

When the batter is aggressive:Batters swinging early are likely to miss or make weak contact against a well-placed slider.

The key to a successful slider in MLB The Show 25 is location. Pitching too far inside can result in a hit, while pitching too far outside may result in a ball or a walk. Precision and sequencing are critical to maximizing the slider’s potential.

4. Changeup:Disrupting Timing

The changeup is a slower pitch that mimics the arm motion of a fastball. Its primary purpose is to disrupt the batter’s timing, causing them to swing early and often miss or make weak contact. This pitch is especially effective against power hitters who rely on timing to make solid contact.

Against aggressive hitters:Use the changeup after a series of fastballs to exploit the batter’s expectation of speed.

In hitters’ counts:If a batter is ahead, a well-placed changeup low in the zone can induce weak ground balls or pop-ups.

Changeups require subtlety and control, as poorly placed changeups can lead to hard hits. In MLB The Show 25, mastering the changeup involves understanding how to blend it seamlessly with your fastball to keep hitters off balance.

5. Sinker and Split-Finger Fastball:Inducing Ground Balls

Both the sinker and split-finger fastball are effective for generating ground balls. These pitches drop sharply as they approach the plate, making them excellent choices for double-play situations or when facing hitters prone to lofted contact.

Sinker:Ideal for keeping the ball low and inducing grounders, especially with two strikes.

Split-finger fastball:Offers dramatic downward movement and can be a strikeout pitch when used sparingly.

These pitches are particularly effective when paired with high fastballs or sliders. By mixing eye-level pitches with low-moving pitches, you force hitters to adjust, increasing the likelihood of weak contact or swinging strikes.

6. Sequencing:The Key to Pitching Success

Knowing the best pitches is only half the battle in MLB The Show 25. Sequencing—choosing the right pitch at the right time—is critical. A well-thought-out pitch sequence can exploit batter weaknesses, create deception, and increase strikeout opportunities. For instance, starting with a fastball to establish speed, following with a slider for lateral movement, and finishing with a changeup to disrupt timing is a common strategy among elite pitchers.

Conclusion

Mastering pitching in MLB The Show 25 requires understanding each pitch’s strengths and using them in the right situations. Fastballs provide power, curveballs and sliders create deception, changeups disrupt timing, and sinkers or split-finger fastballs induce weak contact. By combining pitch selection with smart sequencing, you can dominate hitters, control the game, and consistently keep runs off the board. Pitching in MLB The Show 25 is an art, and MLB The Show Stubs the most successful players are those who can blend strategy, skill, and timing to keep batters guessing.

Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced player looking to refine your pitching strategy, understanding when to throw each pitch will elevate your gameplay and make every inning more competitive. Master these techniques, and you will be one step closer to becoming an elite pitcher in MLB The Show 25.