Managing your bullpen well in MLB The Show 25 can be the difference between locking down a tough win or giving up that heartbreaking walk-off. Whether you're grinding Ranked Seasons, battling through Conquest, or trying to dominate Diamond Dynasty, mastering bullpen strategy is key. Here are 14 practical tips from a fellow player that can help you get the most out of your relievers and closers.
1. Learn Each Reliever’s Strengths
Before jumping into a game, take time to study your bullpen arms. Know who has a deadly slider, a power sinker, or an elite four-seam fastball. It’ll help you make better in-game choices.
2. Use Matchups to Your Advantage
Always keep an eye on upcoming batters. Bring in lefties to face left-handed hitters and righties against righties whenever possible. It’s a classic strategy that still works wonders in MLB The Show 25.
3. Warm Up in Advance
Don’t wait until a jam to start warming pitchers. Even the best bullpen arm can get rocked if they come in cold. Warm them up at least an inning before you plan to use them.
4. Rotate Arms to Avoid Fatigue
Bullpen pitchers can tire over multiple games, which affects velocity and control. Rotate your bullpen so the same guys aren’t pitching back-to-back days.
5. Mix Speeds and Locations
When you bring in a reliever, don’t spam the same pitch. Mix fastballs with off-speed pitches, and move them around the strike zone to keep hitters off balance.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Pull Early
If your reliever is clearly struggling—missing spots or giving up solid contact—don’t hesitate to go to the next guy. It’s better than risking a game-changing home run.
7. Develop a Setup-to-Closers Plan
Have a clear plan: maybe a fireballer for the 7th, a sinker specialist for the 8th, and your closer for the 9th. Consistency helps you settle into a rhythm.
8. Save a Specialist for Key Situations
Keep a lefty or sidearm righty for those tough at-bats against star hitters. It might feel like a luxury, but one good out can change an entire game.
9. Watch for Batter Tendencies
If your opponent is early on fastballs, slow it down. If they’re crushing off-speed, mix in more heat. Reading your opponent is just as important as your own pitching choices.
10. Consider Using Openers
Instead of starting with a traditional starter, you can use a bullpen arm to pitch the first inning or two. It can throw off your opponent’s timing.
11. Keep an Eye on Confidence
Relievers gain or lose confidence with each pitch and batter. High confidence improves accuracy, while low confidence can lead to more mistakes.
12. Learn to Pitch Out of the Stretch
Bullpen pitchers usually pitch from the stretch, not the windup. Practice this in batting practice or custom practice to get comfortable.
13. Budget Your Bullpen with Stubs
Building an effective bullpen doesn’t always mean buying the most expensive cards. Look for budget gems, or consider finding cheap mlb the show 25 stubs deals so you can invest where it matters most.
14. Know When to Buy and Sell
If you’re building your bullpen in Diamond Dynasty, timing the market is important. You can buy mlb the show 25 stubs through trusted marketplaces like U4N to pick up relievers when prices drop.
Managing your bullpen is a blend of strategy, practice, and knowing your team inside and out. Use these tips, stay patient, and you’ll start noticing fewer blown leads and more close wins. And if you’re planning upgrades, remember that you don’t always need to break the bank—smart choices and finding cheap mlb the show 25 stubs can go a long way.
1. Learn Each Reliever’s Strengths
Before jumping into a game, take time to study your bullpen arms. Know who has a deadly slider, a power sinker, or an elite four-seam fastball. It’ll help you make better in-game choices.
2. Use Matchups to Your Advantage
Always keep an eye on upcoming batters. Bring in lefties to face left-handed hitters and righties against righties whenever possible. It’s a classic strategy that still works wonders in MLB The Show 25.
3. Warm Up in Advance
Don’t wait until a jam to start warming pitchers. Even the best bullpen arm can get rocked if they come in cold. Warm them up at least an inning before you plan to use them.
4. Rotate Arms to Avoid Fatigue
Bullpen pitchers can tire over multiple games, which affects velocity and control. Rotate your bullpen so the same guys aren’t pitching back-to-back days.
5. Mix Speeds and Locations
When you bring in a reliever, don’t spam the same pitch. Mix fastballs with off-speed pitches, and move them around the strike zone to keep hitters off balance.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Pull Early
If your reliever is clearly struggling—missing spots or giving up solid contact—don’t hesitate to go to the next guy. It’s better than risking a game-changing home run.
7. Develop a Setup-to-Closers Plan
Have a clear plan: maybe a fireballer for the 7th, a sinker specialist for the 8th, and your closer for the 9th. Consistency helps you settle into a rhythm.
8. Save a Specialist for Key Situations
Keep a lefty or sidearm righty for those tough at-bats against star hitters. It might feel like a luxury, but one good out can change an entire game.
9. Watch for Batter Tendencies
If your opponent is early on fastballs, slow it down. If they’re crushing off-speed, mix in more heat. Reading your opponent is just as important as your own pitching choices.
10. Consider Using Openers
Instead of starting with a traditional starter, you can use a bullpen arm to pitch the first inning or two. It can throw off your opponent’s timing.
11. Keep an Eye on Confidence
Relievers gain or lose confidence with each pitch and batter. High confidence improves accuracy, while low confidence can lead to more mistakes.
12. Learn to Pitch Out of the Stretch
Bullpen pitchers usually pitch from the stretch, not the windup. Practice this in batting practice or custom practice to get comfortable.
13. Budget Your Bullpen with Stubs
Building an effective bullpen doesn’t always mean buying the most expensive cards. Look for budget gems, or consider finding cheap mlb the show 25 stubs deals so you can invest where it matters most.
14. Know When to Buy and Sell
If you’re building your bullpen in Diamond Dynasty, timing the market is important. You can buy mlb the show 25 stubs through trusted marketplaces like U4N to pick up relievers when prices drop.
Managing your bullpen is a blend of strategy, practice, and knowing your team inside and out. Use these tips, stay patient, and you’ll start noticing fewer blown leads and more close wins. And if you’re planning upgrades, remember that you don’t always need to break the bank—smart choices and finding cheap mlb the show 25 stubs can go a long way.