Learn to Use the Shift to Your Advantage

The defensive shift can be a powerful tool to MLB 25 Stubs increase the effectiveness of your pitching. If you know a batter is a pull hitter, for example, you can adjust your fielders accordingly to help turn potential hits into easy outs.

Why it matters: The shift provides additional defensive support, giving you a better chance to get batters out. However, you need to pitch to the shift to make sure your defense is in the right place.

Tip: If a batter is known to pull the ball, try to throw pitches on the outer half of the plate and align your defense to the right side of the field. This maximizes your chances of getting them out.

Control the Count

Pitching ahead in the count is one of the most important strategies for success. If you can get ahead, you'll have more options to throw off-speed pitches or pitch in the corners, making it much more difficult for the batter to make solid contact.

Why it matters: When you're ahead in the count, you have more control over the at-bat. You can get the batter to chase pitches outside the zone or make them swing at pitches that are tough to hit.

Tip: Focus on getting ahead with strikes early in the count. Start with a fastball for a strike, then follow up with an off-speed pitch or breaking ball to get the batter swinging at a pitch outside their comfort zone.

Use Pitch Locations Wisely

Pitch placement is everything. The best pitchers know how to place their pitches in tough spots where batters have little chance to make good contact. By hitting the corners of the strike zone and varying your pitch location, you can keep batters guessing.

Why it matters: Placing pitches in tough locations forces batters to adjust, making it harder for them to get a solid hit. Inside and outside pitches can force weak contact, and high or low pitches can result in strikeouts.

Tip: Keep your pitches on the corners of the plate, working both inside and outside. Don't throw pitches over the heart of the plate, as that's where batters can capitalize and hit for cheap MLB The Show 25 Stubs power.