Top 10 Beginner Mistakes in MLB The Show 26

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1. Ignoring the Basics of Pitching

Pitching is the heart of MLB The Show 26, and not learning the basics can leave you frustrated, especially when playing against more skilled players. A common mistake beginners make is relying solely on fastballs or not mixing up their pitches enough.

What You Should Do:
Learn to mix up your pitch types (fastball, curveball, slider, changeup, etc.) and understand pitch sequencing. It’s not just about throwing hard—timing and location matter. Start with low-and-away pitches to keep hitters off balance, and don’t forget to use your pitcher's unique abilities.

2. Not Taking Advantage of Batting Practice

Batting practice is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for developing your skills. Many beginners jump straight into games without practicing their swing mechanics, leading to poor timing and weak contact.

What You Should Do:
Spend time in batting practice to get used to different pitches and develop a better understanding of timing. Experiment with the swing mechanics, and practice hitting to all fields. The more comfortable you are in batting practice, the more confident you’ll feel in actual games.

3. Overlooking the Importance of Fielding

Fielding is just as important as hitting and pitching, but many beginners ignore it. They either rely too much on auto-fielding or fail to make smart decisions on the field, resulting in unnecessary errors.

What You Should Do:
Take control of your fielders manually, especially in key situations like base running or a difficult play in the outfield. Practice with different fielders and make sure to adjust your timing for throws. Also, don’t forget that having a good defensive team can prevent a lot of runs, so focus on creating a balanced roster that includes strong fielders.

4. Using the Default Settings

While MLB The Show 26 offers a wide range of settings, most beginners play with the default settings. These may not suit your playstyle, and you could be at a disadvantage compared to players who’ve adjusted their controls to fit their needs.

What You Should Do:
Take time to customize your controls to match your preferences. You might want to adjust the difficulty level to something more manageable while you’re still learning. Also, tweak camera angles, hitting, and pitching settings until you feel comfortable.

5. Neglecting to Manage Your Team’s Stamina

In modes like Diamond Dynasty and Franchise, managing player stamina is key. Many beginners fail to realize that running players too hard or neglecting rest can negatively affect their performance.

What You Should Do:
Make sure to rotate your pitchers, especially the starters, and rest your position players to avoid fatigue. Also, in Diamond Dynasty, pay attention to your team's overall stamina, as exhausted players perform worse in games.

6. Relying Too Much on Power Hitting

It’s tempting to swing for the fences every time, but MLB The Show 26 punishes players who rely too heavily on power hitting. While hitting home runs can be exciting, it’s important to build a well-rounded offense.

What You Should Do:
Focus on hitting for contact, especially in situations where you need to advance runners. Bunting, base hits, and patient at-bats are often more effective than swinging for the home run every time. Learn to read pitches and swing when it makes sense, rather than forcing power shots.

7. Not Using the Right Equipment and Upgrades

In Diamond Dynasty, players often don’t realize the importance of equipment and player upgrades. Skipping these upgrades can leave your team underperforming compared to others.

What You Should Do:
Invest in upgrading your players’ equipment and focus on building chemistry between them. Additionally, don’t forget to regularly check your player’s stats and upgrade them with available stubs. If you're looking to buy MLB 26 stubs, it can be a good idea to enhance your team’s performance with key upgrades that complement your playstyle.

8. Ignoring Player Attributes in Diamond Dynasty

In Diamond Dynasty, team composition is everything. Beginners sometimes draft players with high overall ratings, thinking that’s all that matters. However, player attributes (like contact, speed, and fielding) play a bigger role than just the overall number.

What You Should Do:
Don’t just rely on a player's overall rating. Look into their individual stats and how they’ll fit into your team’s strategy. A high-power hitter might not be useful if your team needs a fast player with good defense. Building a balanced roster is key to success.

9. Overusing the Power Swing

The power swing is useful, but it’s not always the best choice. Beginners often spam the power swing, which leads to a lot of swings and misses, or worse, weak fly balls.

What You Should Do:
Mix up your swing types. Use the regular swing for consistent contact, and reserve the power swing for specific situations (like a 3-1 count with runners on base). This helps you build better plate discipline and will lead to more hits and fewer strikeouts.

10. Not Learning from Your Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not taking time to reflect on their games and learn from their losses. It’s easy to get frustrated and move on to the next game, but this prevents improvement.

What You Should Do:
After every game, whether you win or lose, take a moment to review what worked and what didn’t. Did you miss too many pitches? Did your fielding cost you runs? Reflecting on these moments will help you understand your weaknesses and improve over time.

Avoiding these beginner mistakes will not only make your games more enjoyable but also lead to better long-term progress in MLB The Show 26. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve, keep practicing, adjust your strategy as needed, and enjoy the learning process. Soon, you'll be making plays like a pro.