If you’ve been playing MLB The Show 25 for a while, you already know it takes more than just solid pitching and batting to consistently win. Beneath the surface, there are hidden strategies and lesser-known guides that can make a real difference—especially if you’re grinding through ranked seasons, trying to boost your Ballplayer, or simply want to stretch your Stubs further. Here are 17 hidden strategy guides that can help you get ahead, shared from the perspective of someone who’s been through countless nine-inning battles.

1. Master Situational Hitting Early
One overlooked strategy is focusing on situational hitting drills in practice mode. Learning to advance runners or hit sacrifice flies can add crucial runs in close games.

2. Keep Your Bullpen Flexible
Don’t just stack your bullpen with high overall relievers. Mix lefty specialists, long relievers, and sinkerballers to handle different lineups.

3. Use Custom Practice to Fix Weaknesses
Spend time in custom practice to target your biggest weaknesses, whether it’s timing on inside fastballs or chasing breaking balls low and away.

4. Explore Parallel XP Tricks
Parallel XP can feel like a grind, but focusing on weaker modes or moments can speed things up. Consider using low-stakes events to rack up XP quickly.

5. Refresh Your PCI Settings Regularly
Many players forget that your perfect PCI setup can change as your timing improves. Revisit and tweak it every few weeks.

6. Play Daily Moments for Consistent Rewards
It may seem small, but daily moments add up to solid rewards over time, which can save you from spending extra to buy mlb the show 25 stubs.

7. Learn the Art of Bunting for Hits
Especially with speedy players, bunting against extreme shifts or unexpected situations can get you free baserunners.

8. Save Stubs by Watching the Market Off-Hours
Prices for cards and equipment often dip late at night or early morning. You can find cheap mlb the show 25 stubs for sale moments in the marketplace if you’re patient.

9. Embrace Contact Swings in Tough Counts
Instead of always swinging for power, a contact swing on 0-2 or 1-2 counts keeps you alive longer and forces more pitches.

10. Test Out Different Archetype Combos
Don’t lock yourself into one archetype too soon. Mixing archetypes can unlock different perks that fit your play style better.

11. Use Defensive Shifts Intelligently
Shifts aren’t just for show. Pay attention to your opponent’s hitting habits and adjust in real time.

12. Grind Programs Using Conquest
Conquest maps give steady XP and packs, making them one of the best ways to build your team without needing to buy mlb the show 25 stubs.

13. Focus on Moments You Play Well
Skip the ones that frustrate you. Grinding the moments you actually succeed at keeps your pace steady and frustration low.

14. Mix Up Your Pitch Speeds
Even if you only throw fastballs and sliders, change speeds to mess with timing. Alternate between 97 mph heat and 89 mph sliders.

15. Stack Your Bench for Specific Roles
Carry one speedster, one power bat, and one solid contact hitter to handle every situation late in games.

16. Use the Buy/Sell Trick in the Marketplace
Buy low and sell high by studying trends. It won’t make millions overnight, but it helps you accumulate cheap mlb the show 25 stubs for sale over time.

17. Follow Communities Like U4N
Communities often share real-time market trends, hidden perks, or new patches that can give you an edge before most players notice.

The real secret to MLB The Show 25 isn’t just raw skill, but staying informed, flexible, and willing to explore strategies other players miss. Keep these hidden guides in mind, and you’ll find yourself ahead of the curve—without having to overspend to stay competitive.