MLB The Show 25 features a wide variety of pitch types, each with its own movement and characteristics. Mastering these pitches and understanding when to use them can make you an unstoppable force on the mound. Whether you're trying to get a batter to MLB 25 Stubs chase a slider in the dirt or blowing a fastball by them, the right pitch at the right time can be the difference between a strikeout and a hit.
In this article, we'll break down every pitch type in MLB The Show 25 and explain when to use them for maximum effectiveness.
- Fastball
The fastball is the most basic and commonly used pitch in baseball. It's a pitch thrown at maximum velocity, designed to challenge the batter and establish the pitcher's dominance.
When to use it: The fastball is great for establishing the strike zone early in the count. Use it to set up off-speed pitches or to challenge batters when you're ahead in the count.
Tip: Mix up your fastball's location to keep batters on their toes. Throw high fastballs to challenge the batter's timing or throw low to induce ground balls.
- Curveball
The curveball is a breaking pitch that drops significantly as it approaches the plate. It's effective for keeping batters off-balance and inducing swings and misses.
When to use it: The curveball is best used when you're ahead in the count and want to catch the batter off guard. It's also effective when thrown after a fastball to keep the batter guessing.
Tip: Try throwing the curveball low and outside to get batters to chase it out of the strike zone. You can also use the curveball to induce weak contact or strikeouts when you're ahead in the count.
- Slider
The slider is another breaking pitch, but it moves laterally rather than dropping. It's designed to get batters to chase pitches out of the strike zone.
When to use it: Use the slider when you want to induce a swing and miss or when you're ahead in the count. It's particularly effective against right-handed batters when thrown outside.
Tip: Throw the slider low and away to get batters to chase it. Make sure to mix in the slider after a fastball to keep the batter off-balance.
- Changeup
The changeup is a slower pitch that looks similar to a fastball but arrives much later, throwing off the batter's timing. It's great for keeping batters off balance and inducing weak contact.
When to use it: The changeup is most effective when you're ahead in the count or after throwing several fastballs. It's also a great pitch for getting batters to swing early, leading to easy outs.
Tip: Throw the changeup low and outside to keep the batter from hitting it with power. Be sure to mix it in after a few fastballs to keep the batter guessing.
- Cutter
The cutter is a pitch that looks like a fastball but moves slightly in on the batter, making it difficult to hit. It's useful for getting weak contact or inducing ground balls.
When to use it: The cutter is great for keeping batters from squaring up the ball, especially on the inside part of the plate. It's also effective when you want to induce weak contact for a quick out.
Tip: Throw the cutter inside to jam the batter or outside to induce a weak swing. Use it in situations where you want to avoid getting hit hard.
- Knuckleball
The knuckleball is a pitch that doesn't have much movement but is unpredictable, making it difficult for batters to track. It can be a great weapon if you're able to control it.
When to use it: Use the knuckleball when you want to mess with the batter's timing and throw them off. It's effective for getting batters to swing early and often.
Tip: Throw the knuckleball in the dirt to induce swings and misses. Be careful with its placement, though, as batters can still make solid contact if it's too close to MLB The Show Stubs for sale the strike zone.