eld.gg MLB The Show 25 Stubs: Use Custom Practice Mode
Smart Baserunning Wins Games – Mastering the Hidden Art in MLB The Show 25
In MLB The Show 25, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to MLB The Show 25 Stubs inches — and no aspect of the game captures that more than baserunning. While hitting home runs and striking out batters might grab the spotlight, smart baserunning is the unsung hero that turns singles into runs and tight games into victories.
With new AI behavior, improved pickoff systems, and realistic sliding mechanics, MLB The Show 25 rewards precision, awareness, and timing on the basepaths. If you want to dominate both offline and online play, mastering baserunning strategy is essential.
Here’s how to take your baserunning IQ to the next level in MLB The Show 25.
1. Understand the New Baserunning System
MLB The Show 25 introduces smarter baserunning controls and more lifelike animations. Players now react to batted balls and fielder positioning with greater accuracy, making decisions like rounding a base or holding up more realistic.
The improved manual baserunning system gives you full control — but also full responsibility. Mistimed inputs can lead to costly outs, while smart reads can stretch an extra base or score a runner from first on a gap shot.
Key tip: Learn the difference between default, classic, and manual baserunning controls in the settings. Manual gives you the most control but requires precise timing. Practice switching runners and issuing independent commands so you can react instantly in high-pressure moments.
2. Read the Ball Off the Bat
The first step to smart baserunning is reading contact. Watch the angle, speed, and trajectory of every hit:
Grounders through the infield: Aggressive runners should always round the next base slightly to test the outfielder’s throw.
Line drives: Hold your ground if there’s a chance of a catch; double plays are the easiest way to kill a rally.
Fly balls to deep outfield: Tag up early and watch the fielder’s body language. If they’re running back or turning, you likely have time to advance.
Train your eyes to track the ball rather than rely on automated base prompts. The AI is smarter in MLB The Show 25, but human judgment still outperforms auto-pathing in clutch moments.
3. Know When to Steal (and When Not To)
Stealing bases is thrilling but risky — especially with improved pickoff mechanics in MLB The Show 25. Pitchers now use varied pickoff timings and deceptive deliveries, making predictable steals a quick route to an out.
Stealing tips:
Only steal with runners who have Speed (SPD) and Baserunning Aggressiveness (BR AGG) above 75.
Lead off one or two steps max. Anything more triggers the AI to throw over more often.
Watch the pitcher’s leg motion — lefties in particular will bait runners with subtle pauses.
Use the “First Move” strategy sparingly; while it can catch opponents off guard, it’s easily countered by quick pickoffs.
Pro move: If you suspect a pickoff, press back immediately before the animation finishes — a quick reflex can still save your runner.
4. Exploit Defensive Positioning
Positioning is everything. Many players overlook where defenders are set up before each pitch, but paying attention can unlock free bases.
If a left fielder shifts deep against a power hitter, consider sending a fast runner from first to third on a sharp single. Conversely, when infielders are playing in for a bunt or double-play attempt, hit-and-run plays become far more effective.
In Franchise and Diamond Dynasty modes, use scouting reports and shift data to predict defensive alignments. The more information you have, the better your baserunning decisions will be.
5. Use Situational Awareness to Pressure Opponents
Smart baserunning isn’t just about stealing or taking extra bases — it’s about creating pressure. Runners on base force pitchers to change their rhythm, use slide steps, and split focus between the batter and the runner.
How to apply pressure effectively:
Fake steal attempts: Tap the advance button early, then retreat. It often disrupts the pitcher’s concentration and leads to mistakes over the plate.
Delayed steals: Send your runner after the pitch crosses the plate. It’s especially effective in online games against distracted opponents.
Aggressive tagging: Force outfielders to make throws. Even if you’re out, it can expose a weak arm and affect future defensive positioning.
The key is unpredictability. A good baserunner keeps the defense guessing every pitch.
6. Perfect Your Slides
Sliding mechanics are far more dynamic in MLB The Show 25. You now control not only when to slide but how to slide. Choosing between a headfirst or feet-first slide can mean the difference between safe and out.
Slide strategy:
Headfirst slides are faster but risk more errors if the fielder’s tag is high. Use them for tight steals.
Feet-first slides are safer for avoiding tags on low throws and for rounding the bases.
Hook slides are perfect for plays at second base — they help you avoid direct tags while still touching the bag.
Practice each type in baserunning drills under different scenarios. Once you get a feel for when to use each, you’ll be turning near-outs into safe calls consistently.
7. Manage Baserunners Independently
In chaotic moments — such as gap shots or infield misplays — managing multiple runners efficiently is crucial. MLB The Show 25 allows for independent baserunner control, letting you send or hold each runner individually.
For example:
Hold the lead runner at third while advancing the trail runner to second to avoid a double play.
Send the trail runner home if the defense throws to second instead.
The more you master these controls, the fewer runners you’ll lose on the basepaths — and the more runs you’ll manufacture from simple contact.
8. Practice in Custom Drills
The best way to improve is through repetition. Use Custom Practice Mode to simulate baserunning scenarios: steals, hit-and-runs, double steals, and tag-ups. Adjust fielder positioning, arm strength, and reaction time to test your instincts under realistic pressure.
You can even recreate real-game situations — two outs, runners in scoring position, tie game — to build confidence in executing aggressive baserunning when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Smart baserunning in MLB The Show 25 isn’t just a skill — it’s an art form. It blends instinct, timing, and awareness into one of the most rewarding aspects of baseball gameplay. Whether you’re stealing a key base in the ninth inning or advancing on a throw that misses the cutoff, every smart decision adds up to more runs and more wins.
Master these techniques, and you’ll quickly realize that games aren’t just won by power — they’re won by brains on buy MLB Stubs the basepaths.
In MLB The Show 25, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to MLB The Show 25 Stubs inches — and no aspect of the game captures that more than baserunning. While hitting home runs and striking out batters might grab the spotlight, smart baserunning is the unsung hero that turns singles into runs and tight games into victories.
With new AI behavior, improved pickoff systems, and realistic sliding mechanics, MLB The Show 25 rewards precision, awareness, and timing on the basepaths. If you want to dominate both offline and online play, mastering baserunning strategy is essential.
Here’s how to take your baserunning IQ to the next level in MLB The Show 25.
1. Understand the New Baserunning System
MLB The Show 25 introduces smarter baserunning controls and more lifelike animations. Players now react to batted balls and fielder positioning with greater accuracy, making decisions like rounding a base or holding up more realistic.
The improved manual baserunning system gives you full control — but also full responsibility. Mistimed inputs can lead to costly outs, while smart reads can stretch an extra base or score a runner from first on a gap shot.
Key tip: Learn the difference between default, classic, and manual baserunning controls in the settings. Manual gives you the most control but requires precise timing. Practice switching runners and issuing independent commands so you can react instantly in high-pressure moments.
2. Read the Ball Off the Bat
The first step to smart baserunning is reading contact. Watch the angle, speed, and trajectory of every hit:
Grounders through the infield: Aggressive runners should always round the next base slightly to test the outfielder’s throw.
Line drives: Hold your ground if there’s a chance of a catch; double plays are the easiest way to kill a rally.
Fly balls to deep outfield: Tag up early and watch the fielder’s body language. If they’re running back or turning, you likely have time to advance.
Train your eyes to track the ball rather than rely on automated base prompts. The AI is smarter in MLB The Show 25, but human judgment still outperforms auto-pathing in clutch moments.
3. Know When to Steal (and When Not To)
Stealing bases is thrilling but risky — especially with improved pickoff mechanics in MLB The Show 25. Pitchers now use varied pickoff timings and deceptive deliveries, making predictable steals a quick route to an out.
Stealing tips:
Only steal with runners who have Speed (SPD) and Baserunning Aggressiveness (BR AGG) above 75.
Lead off one or two steps max. Anything more triggers the AI to throw over more often.
Watch the pitcher’s leg motion — lefties in particular will bait runners with subtle pauses.
Use the “First Move” strategy sparingly; while it can catch opponents off guard, it’s easily countered by quick pickoffs.
Pro move: If you suspect a pickoff, press back immediately before the animation finishes — a quick reflex can still save your runner.
4. Exploit Defensive Positioning
Positioning is everything. Many players overlook where defenders are set up before each pitch, but paying attention can unlock free bases.
If a left fielder shifts deep against a power hitter, consider sending a fast runner from first to third on a sharp single. Conversely, when infielders are playing in for a bunt or double-play attempt, hit-and-run plays become far more effective.
In Franchise and Diamond Dynasty modes, use scouting reports and shift data to predict defensive alignments. The more information you have, the better your baserunning decisions will be.
5. Use Situational Awareness to Pressure Opponents
Smart baserunning isn’t just about stealing or taking extra bases — it’s about creating pressure. Runners on base force pitchers to change their rhythm, use slide steps, and split focus between the batter and the runner.
How to apply pressure effectively:
Fake steal attempts: Tap the advance button early, then retreat. It often disrupts the pitcher’s concentration and leads to mistakes over the plate.
Delayed steals: Send your runner after the pitch crosses the plate. It’s especially effective in online games against distracted opponents.
Aggressive tagging: Force outfielders to make throws. Even if you’re out, it can expose a weak arm and affect future defensive positioning.
The key is unpredictability. A good baserunner keeps the defense guessing every pitch.
6. Perfect Your Slides
Sliding mechanics are far more dynamic in MLB The Show 25. You now control not only when to slide but how to slide. Choosing between a headfirst or feet-first slide can mean the difference between safe and out.
Slide strategy:
Headfirst slides are faster but risk more errors if the fielder’s tag is high. Use them for tight steals.
Feet-first slides are safer for avoiding tags on low throws and for rounding the bases.
Hook slides are perfect for plays at second base — they help you avoid direct tags while still touching the bag.
Practice each type in baserunning drills under different scenarios. Once you get a feel for when to use each, you’ll be turning near-outs into safe calls consistently.
7. Manage Baserunners Independently
In chaotic moments — such as gap shots or infield misplays — managing multiple runners efficiently is crucial. MLB The Show 25 allows for independent baserunner control, letting you send or hold each runner individually.
For example:
Hold the lead runner at third while advancing the trail runner to second to avoid a double play.
Send the trail runner home if the defense throws to second instead.
The more you master these controls, the fewer runners you’ll lose on the basepaths — and the more runs you’ll manufacture from simple contact.
8. Practice in Custom Drills
The best way to improve is through repetition. Use Custom Practice Mode to simulate baserunning scenarios: steals, hit-and-runs, double steals, and tag-ups. Adjust fielder positioning, arm strength, and reaction time to test your instincts under realistic pressure.
You can even recreate real-game situations — two outs, runners in scoring position, tie game — to build confidence in executing aggressive baserunning when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Smart baserunning in MLB The Show 25 isn’t just a skill — it’s an art form. It blends instinct, timing, and awareness into one of the most rewarding aspects of baseball gameplay. Whether you’re stealing a key base in the ninth inning or advancing on a throw that misses the cutoff, every smart decision adds up to more runs and more wins.
Master these techniques, and you’ll quickly realize that games aren’t just won by power — they’re won by brains on buy MLB Stubs the basepaths.