If you’re diving into MLB The Show 25 and want to seriously elevate your pitching game, understanding the meta pitch types is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or just trying to improve your overall gameplay, mastering the right pitches can make a huge difference in shutting down your opponents and controlling the pace of the game.
In this guide, I’ll break down 13 essential pitch types that every serious player should have in their arsenal. Knowing when and how to use these pitches will help you become a more unpredictable and effective pitcher, even if you’re just starting out.
The bread-and-butter pitch for many, the four-seam fastball is your go-to for straight speed and control. It’s especially effective for challenging hitters early in the count.
Unlike the four-seam, the two-seam fastball has some natural movement, tailing in or away depending on the pitcher’s handedness. It’s great for inducing ground balls.
This pitch is a slightly faster breaking ball that can jam hitters or cause weak contact. It’s excellent for mixing things up after showing the fastball.
One of the most effective breaking balls in MLB 25, the slider has sharp lateral movement that can freeze batters if thrown at the right time.
The curveball offers a big, looping break that disrupts timing. It’s slower than most pitches but can be devastating when used sparingly.
This pitch looks like a fastball but arrives slower, messing with the hitter’s timing. It’s perfect to throw after a series of fastballs.
Similar to a changeup but with a sharper downward movement, the splitter is great for getting swings and misses or ground balls.
A heavy, sinking fastball that’s effective for inducing grounders and double plays. The sinker’s late drop can be tricky for batters to square up.
A rare but fun pitch that has very unpredictable movement. It can be difficult for batters to make solid contact but also requires mastery to control.
The screwball breaks in the opposite direction of a slider, making it a valuable tool to confuse hitters who are expecting standard breaks.
This pitch drops sharply as it approaches the plate, similar to a splitter but with more dramatic movement. It’s good for generating strikeouts.
An ultra-slow, high-arcing pitch that’s mostly a trick pitch but can throw off a hitter’s rhythm if used sparingly.
While technically a fastball with late “rise,” this pitch can surprise hitters expecting a traditional fastball trajectory.
Mixing these pitch types effectively will keep your opponent guessing. For example, pairing a two-seam fastball with a sharp slider or a changeup followed by a curveball can create a potent combination that frustrates batters and racks up strikeouts.
Remember, knowing the meta pitch types is just part of the equation. Execution and timing are equally important. Don’t just spam fastballs or sliders; vary your approach based on the hitter’s tendencies and the game situation.
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Mastering these 13 MLB The Show 25 meta pitch types will take your pitching to a whole new level. It’s a skill that separates casual players from the pros. With practice and patience, you’ll find yourself dominating the mound and enjoying the game more than ever.
By the way, if you’re interested in unique community content or tips, check out the U4N hub where many experienced players share strategies that can complement what you’ve learned here.