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Hitting in MLB The Show 25 is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of the game. Whether you're grinding in Road to the Show, battling in Diamond Dynasty, or playing online ranked matches, success at the plate often determines whether you walk away with a win or a loss. Many new players fall into the trap of always swinging for the fences, hoping for that game-changing home run. While hitting bombs is exciting, the key to MLB The Show 25 Stubs long-term success lies in mastering all three swing types: contact swings, power swings, and bunts.
By understanding when and how to use each option, improving your timing, and applying smart situational strategies, you'll not only raise your batting averages but also build winning habits that can turn close games in your favor.
The Three Swing Types in MLB The Show 25
Contact Swing
The contact swing is designed to maximize your chances of putting the ball in play. It slightly shortens your swing, increasing your odds of making solid contact, even on tough pitches. While it generally sacrifices some power, contact swings are perfect when you simply need to move runners along or avoid striking out.
Best Situations for Contact Swings:
Two-strike counts where you need to protect the plate.
With runners in scoring position, especially with less than two outs.
Against high-velocity pitchers where timing is harder.
To break out of a slump when you're struggling with whiffs.
Think of the contact swing as your safety net. It keeps the inning alive, creates pressure on the defense, and often leads to bloop singles or grounders that sneak through the infield.
Power Swing
The power swing is all about driving the ball deep into the outfield, with the potential for home runs and extra-base hits. It lengthens your swing, providing more pop, but comes with increased risk. You'll have a smaller timing window, and mistimed swings can lead to strikeouts or weak fly balls.
Best Situations for Power Swings:
Hitter's counts (2-0, 3-1) where you can anticipate a fastball.
When facing a pitcher who has to throw a strike to avoid walking you.
With power hitters at the plate, especially those with high power ratings.
Late-game situations where one big swing can change everything.
The power swing should be used strategically, not constantly. Overusing it leads to more strikeouts and wasted at-bats. The best hitters know how to save their power swings for moments when they expect a hittable pitch.
Bunt Attempt
Often overlooked by new players, bunting can be a powerful weapon when used correctly. It allows you to surprise the defense, move runners into scoring position, or even score a run in small-ball situations.
Best Situations for Bunts:
Sacrifice bunts with a runner on first or second and less than two outs.
Suicide or safety squeezes with a runner on third base.
Against defenses playing deep or shifting heavily.
To exploit a weak defensive third baseman or slow pitcher.
While bunting won't win you every game, sprinkling it into your offensive approach forces your opponent to stay honest and defend every part of the field.
The Importance of Timing and Pitch Recognition
Regardless of swing type, the most critical factor in hitting success is timing. Even a well-chosen contact or power swing fails if you're too early or too late. Practice your timing in batting practice or custom modes to sharpen your reflexes against different pitch speeds and locations.
Tips for Better Timing:
Anticipate pitch types and locations rather than reacting late.
Use practice mode against specific pitchers to learn release points.
Train yourself to lay off pitches outside the strike zone. Plate discipline is as important as swing mechanics.
Additionally, pitch recognition separates average players from elite hitters. Recognizing a slider breaking away or a changeup dropping low can save you from ugly strikeouts and put you in a position to punish mistakes.
Situational Hitting: Adapting to the Game Flow
Great hitters adjust their strategy based on the situation rather than relying on a single approach. MLB The Show 25 rewards players who think like real-life managers and tailor their swings to the moment.
Runner on Third, One Out: Use a contact swing to ensure the ball is put in play, prioritizing the RBI over power.
Bases Empty, Two Outs: Swing for power if you get a favorable pitch-you need an extra-base hit to extend the inning.
Leadoff Batter: Focus on contact to get on base and set the tone for the inning.
Facing a Closer: Mix approaches. Start with contact swings to see pitches, then switch to power if you get a mistake over the plate.
By treating each at-bat uniquely, you maximize both individual stats and team success.
Building Better Hitters with Stubs
In Diamond Dynasty or Franchise modes, MLB The Show 25 Stubs play a critical role in building and developing your roster. Investing in players with high contact, vision, and discipline ratings can make hitting easier, especially in high-pressure moments. While power hitters are flashy, don't underestimate the value of balanced players who can consistently get on base. Use stubs wisely to round out your lineup, ensuring you have a mix of contact specialists, power threats, and strategic bunters.
Practice Makes Perfect
The final-and perhaps most important-key to hitting success is consistent practice. The more at-bats you take, the more comfortable you'll become with timing, pitch recognition, and swing selection. Don't be discouraged by slumps; every great hitter goes through them. The difference lies in how quickly you can adjust and bounce back.
Final Thoughts
Mastering hitting in MLB The Show 25 requires more than swinging for home runs. By learning the strengths of contact swings, power swings, and bunts, improving your timing, and applying situational strategies, you'll transform into a well-rounded hitter who can adapt to any game scenario. Whether you're grinding offline or competing online, the key is balance: use power when it counts, contact when you need reliability, and bunts to keep defenses honest.
With patience, strategy, and plenty of practice, your batting stats will soar, your lineup will shine, and those big wins will start piling up. So step into the batter's box, trust your swing, and buy MLB 25 Stubs take control of every at-bat-one pitch at a time.