Hitting off-speed pitches in MLB The Show 25 can be one of the most challenging aspects of the game. Whether it’s a curveball, slider, or changeup, these pitches are designed to throw off your timing and make you swing early or miss entirely. If you’re struggling to connect, here are 13 batting tips to help you crush off-speed pitches like a pro.

1. Patience is Key

Off-speed pitches are often thrown to bait you into swinging early. Take a moment to read the pitch out of the pitcher’s hand. If you’re too aggressive, you’ll end up rolling over weak grounders or whiffing entirely.

2. Watch the Pitcher’s Release

Pay close attention to the pitcher’s motion. Fastballs and off-speed pitches often have subtle differences in arm speed or release point. Recognizing these cues can help you adjust before the ball reaches the plate.

3. Use Practice Mode

Head into practice mode and set the pitcher to throw only off-speed pitches. Repetition will help you train your eye and improve your reaction time.

4. Sit Back in the Count

If you’re ahead in the count (e.g., 2-0 or 3-1), the pitcher is more likely to throw an off-speed pitch to avoid giving up a fastball in a hitter’s count. Be ready to adjust.

5. Look for Low Pitches

Most breaking balls end up low in or below the zone. If you see a pitch starting high, it’s likely a fastball. If it’s coming in lower, prepare for an off-speed pitch.

6. Adjust Your PCI Placement

When anticipating off-speed, keep your PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) slightly lower than usual. This helps you cover breaking balls that dip out of the zone.

7. Don’t Chase Early

One of the biggest mistakes is swinging at off-speed pitches outside the zone. If it’s not a strike, let it go. Discipline is crucial when facing pitchers with strong breaking stuff.

8. Use Contact Swings on Tough Pitches

If you’re late on a curveball or changeup, consider using a contact swing (by holding Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox) to foul it off or put it in play.

9. Study Opponent Tendencies

In online play, some players spam off-speed pitches in certain counts. If you notice a pattern, sit on those pitches and punish them.

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Having a batter with high vision and discipline stats makes it easier to recognize and hit off-speed pitches. If you need stubs to improve your roster, you can always buy MLB The Show 25 stubs from trusted sources.

11. Stay Balanced at the Plate

Avoid lunging forward when swinging. Stay balanced and let the pitch travel deeper into the zone—this gives you more time to identify and react to off-speed stuff.

12. Mix Up Your Approach

If your opponent keeps beating you with sliders away, try crowding the plate slightly to take away their preferred location.

13. Stay Calm Under Pressure

With runners on base, pitchers rely more on off-speed pitches to induce weak contact. Stay composed and wait for your pitch.

Mastering off-speed pitches in MLB The Show 25 takes practice and discipline. Whether you’re playing Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, or online ranked matches, these tips will help you improve your hitting. And if you’re looking to strengthen your team quickly, you might find cheap MLB The Show 25 stubs for sale to give you an edge.