Baseball fans and gamers alike are eagerly anticipating the release of MLB The Show 25, the latest installment in San Diego Studio's beloved baseball simulation series. While MLB 25 Stubs last year's edition received mixed reactions, the developers are promising substantial improvements that will make MLB The Show 25 one of the best in the franchise's history.

If you're considering buying the game, here are 15 key things you need to know before making your purchase.

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1. The Biggest Year-on-Year Improvement Yet?

San Diego Studio is confident that MLB The Show 25 offers the biggest leap in quality in the series' history. The developers have taken fan feedback seriously and made significant changes to ensure this installment feels like a true upgrade.

One bold move? The game won't be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, signaling the studio's confidence in its potential sales.

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2. A Long-Awaited Graphical Overhaul

Baseball sims aren't typically known for massive graphical improvements each year, but MLB The Show 25 changes that. The game features more realistic lighting, sharper textures, and enhanced player models.

Some notable improvements include:

- Dynamically swaying jersey fabric

- Intricate stitching on baseballs and gloves

- More lifelike stadium environments and crowd interactions

These upgrades make the game feel even closer to real-life baseball action.

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3. Revamped Fielding Animations

Player movement and fielding mechanics have been completely reworked. Expect:

- Hundreds of new animations

- More fluid diving catches and home run robberies

- A tiered reaction system for infielders (sluggish to quick, based on attributes)

Colored arrows at the fielder's feet will now indicate jump quality: yellow (okay), green (good), and blue (perfect).

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4. Introducing Ambush Hitting

One of the biggest gameplay additions is the Ambush Hitting mechanic, which mirrors a real-life batter's mentality. Players can now predict the pitcher's attack zone:

- Guess correctly → Larger PCI Sweet Spot and easier swings

- Guess wrong → Increased difficulty, smaller PCI, and tighter timing windows

This new system adds strategy and realism to batting.

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5. First-Person Fielding View

A brand-new first-person perspective allows players to experience fielding through the eyes of their player. This immersive view works in Road to the Show mode, where you can:

- Line up cutoff throws from the outfield

- React in real-time to base runners

- Toggle between first-person and standard views

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6. Smarter AI for a More Realistic Experience

The AI has been overhauled to prevent predictable gameplay patterns. Expect:

- More dynamic fielding and base-running decisions

- Improved situational awareness from teammates

- Better pitching AI that adapts to your hitting tendencies

This helps create a more immersive and less frustrating experience.

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7. A More Personal Road to the Show

The Path to 99 progression system gives players full control of their custom character's journey:

- Earn tokens to improve attributes

- Unlock always-on perks based on in-game performance

- Influence your career path through interviews and training

Every action now impacts your college choices, draft position, and road to the Hall of Fame.

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8. Franchise Mode Gets More Depth

While all details haven't been revealed, some confirmed Franchise Mode upgrades include:

- Dynamic sponsorship deals

- Enhanced stadium upgrades

- Budget balancing with real-world economic challenges

- New analytical data for managing player form and attendance

These changes make team management more strategic and engaging.

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9. Expanded Diamond Dynasty

Diamond Dynasty now features legendary teams from the 1950s to 1970s, giving players more options to build their dream roster.

Additionally:

- "Sets and Seasons" restrictions have been removed, making team-building more flexible

- New game modes: Diamond Quest (competitive multiplayer) & Weekend Classic (fun, shorter challenges)

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10. A Brutal New Difficulty Setting: G.O.A.T Mode

For hardcore players, MLB The Show 25 introduces G.O.A.T difficulty, the toughest challenge yet. Expect:

- Faster fastballs

- Tighter swing timing windows

- More extreme pitch movement

- The smallest PCI ever in the series

Only the most skilled players will thrive in this unforgiving mode.

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11. Negro Leagues: Season 3 Returns

The beloved Negro Leagues mode is back, with Hall of Famer Bob Kendrick narrating the stories of baseball's forgotten legends.

With enhanced storytelling and historical gameplay moments, this mode continues to educate and entertain.

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12. Pre-Order Bonuses & Editions

The game is available in multiple editions:

- Standard Edition ($69.99) – Includes the base game + 5 Show Packs

- Digital Deluxe Edition ($99.99) – 20 Show Packs, 1 Anniversary Pack, 1 Diamond Choice Pack, early access, and more

- Collector's Edition ($129.99) – Physical collectibles and premium digital bonuses

Nintendo Switch versions are $10 cheaper across all editions.

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13. In-Game Microtransactions Are Here to Stay

MLB The Show 25 will continue selling Stubs and special packs for real money. While not pay-to-win, these microtransactions can help speed up team-building in Diamond Dynasty.

Some historical packs may be highly desirable, so expect rare items to fetch high in-game prices.

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14. Cover Athletes: A Star-Studded Trio

This year's cover athlete lineup features:

- Gunnar Henderson – The rising star infielder

- Elly De La Cruz – A dynamic young talent

- Paul Skenes – A commanding pitcher

These choices highlight MLB's next generation of superstars.

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15. Release Date & Platforms

- MLB The Show 25 launches March 18, 2025.

- Early Access begins March 14 (for Digital Deluxe and Collector's Edition buyers).

- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

- No PC version at launch.

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Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you skipped MLB The Show 24, this year's edition offers enough improvements to make it a must-buy. However, if you already own last year's game, the decision depends on how much you value the new animations, Ambush Hitting, AI improvements, and first-person fielding.

For newcomers and die-hard fans, MLB The Show 25 promises to be one of the best baseball sims ever made.

Will you be picking up MLB The Show Stubs for sale MLB The Show 25? Let us know in the comments!