If you’re new to MLB The Show 26, pitching can feel overwhelming at first. There are different pitch types, mechanics, and strategies to consider. In general, most new players struggle with control and sequencing, but with some practice and understanding of how the game works, you can become a reliable pitcher in any matchup. This guide explains pitching in MLB The Show 26 in clear, practical terms, based on common player experiences.
How Does Pitching Work in MLB The Show 26?
Pitching in MLB The Show 26 is more than just choosing a pitch and aiming. Most players need to balance three main factors: pitch selection, pitch location, and timing.
Pitch Selection: Each pitcher has a repertoire of pitches, usually including fastballs, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches. Fastballs are easier to control, while breaking balls like sliders and curveballs are harder for batters but also harder to throw accurately.
Pitch Location: Placing your pitch correctly is key. Most players aim for the corners or edges of the strike zone to get swings and misses. Avoid throwing right down the middle, especially to good hitters.
Timing and Mechanics: MLB The Show 26 uses a meter or analog stick for pitching. In general, higher accuracy comes from practicing your timing. Most new players overestimate their ability to throw perfect pitches consistently, so focus on steady, repeatable motions first.
In practice, successful pitchers mix pitch types and locations. For example, using a fastball high in the zone followed by a low slider usually keeps hitters off balance.
What Are the Best Pitches for Beginners?
Most new players stick to the simpler pitches at first. These usually include:
Four-seam fastball: This is the most basic and easiest to control. In general, it’s reliable for strikes and setting up other pitches.
Changeup: A slower pitch that fools hitters who are expecting a fastball. Most players use it low in the zone for ground balls.
Slider or curveball: Breaking pitches are effective if you can place them consistently. Usually, beginners benefit from starting with one breaking ball and adding more as they gain confidence.
In practice, a common beginner strategy is a simple fastball-changeup combo, reserving breaking balls for hitters who are making consistent contact.
How Do I Read Batters and Adjust?
Pitching is not just about throwing strikes. Most players eventually realize that paying attention to hitters’ tendencies makes a big difference.
Look for hot and cold zones: The game often shows where hitters struggle. In general, pitching to a batter’s weak spots increases your chance of an out.
Adjust after each at-bat: If a hitter is chasing low sliders, you can exploit that with more off-speed pitches. Most players fail to adapt, which is why many beginners give up strikes too easily.
Count awareness: When ahead in the count (like 0-2 or 1-2), you can throw riskier pitches outside the strike zone. In general, players who understand count leverage get more strikeouts.
What Are Common Mistakes New Pitchers Make?
In practice, there are a few mistakes most beginners make:
Relying too much on fastballs: Fastballs are easy, but predictable. Most batters will adjust quickly if you throw the same pitch repeatedly.
Ignoring pitch location: Throwing a strike isn’t enough. The location within the zone is critical.
Poor sequencing: Don’t throw pitches randomly. In general, the best pitchers mix speeds and movement to keep hitters guessing.
Overusing breaking balls early: Beginners often try to throw sliders or curveballs every pitch. Usually, this leads to walks or easy hits if not controlled.
To improve, focus on a balanced approach, practice pitch placement, and pay attention to batter tendencies.
How Do I Handle the Pitch Meter?
MLB The Show 26 uses either the analog stick or a meter for pitching. Most players find the analog stick more intuitive once they get used to it, but the meter can give precise control.
Meter Tips: Pull back the stick to start the meter, release at the right spot for accuracy. In general, slower release leads to higher chance of missing, so timing is key.
Analog Stick Tips: Flick or push in the direction you want. Most players find this feels more natural after some practice.
Practice Mode: Spend time in training or practice modes. In general, the difference between average and excellent pitching is consistency with your chosen control method.
How Do I Build a Good Pitching Strategy?
A solid strategy usually combines pitch selection, location, and sequencing:
Mix speeds: Alternate fastballs and off-speed pitches. Most batters struggle to adjust to well-timed speed changes.
Hit the corners: Avoid the middle of the strike zone. Usually, pitchers who hit edges get more weak contact.
Use counts wisely: Ahead in the count, throw riskier pitches; behind, stick to strikes. Most players fail to leverage counts properly.
Adjust by batter: Righties and lefties may need different pitch strategies. In general, most experienced players plan at least two sequences per type of hitter.
Also, remember that in-game economics sometimes come into play. For example, if you need resources for training or card upgrades, many players choose to buy MLB The Show 26 stubs for PS5 at U4N to improve their team’s pitching depth without wasting time grinding.
How Often Should I Change My Pitches?
In general, you don’t need to change your pitch selection often if you can control your current repertoire. Most players stick with their best three or four pitches and focus on accuracy. Expanding too quickly can lead to poor performance because mastering a new pitch takes practice.
Most new players benefit from:
Perfecting one fastball type.
Adding a reliable off-speed pitch.
Incorporating one breaking ball once comfortable.
This gradual approach usually results in more consistent performance than trying every pitch too early.
Practice first, then play: Spend time in practice modes to get familiar with pitch placement.
Observe experienced players: Watch replays or online matches. In general, seeing how others mix pitches helps you understand effective strategies.
Be patient: Control improves over time. Most new players get frustrated too quickly, but consistent practice pays off.
Track batter tendencies: Use scouting reports if available. Usually, pitchers who adjust in-game get more strikeouts and fewer runs.
By understanding these basics and focusing on accuracy, sequencing, and batter awareness, new players can become reliable pitchers in MLB The Show 26.