7 hours ago
Base running is one of the most important aspects of Road to the Show in MLB The Show 26. While hitting and pitching usually get the spotlight, how you run the bases can make the difference between scoring a key run or getting thrown out. Below, I’ll break down some of the most common questions about base running and how most players handle them in practice.
How Do I Improve My Speed on the Bases?
In general, your base runner's speed is affected by their attributes, especially speed and acceleration. Most players focus on improving these stats through training sessions, equipment boosts, and attribute points when leveling up.
In practice, even fast runners don’t always take full advantage of their speed. Make sure to use the left stick to take efficient paths around bases instead of running in straight lines that hug the baseline too closely. Most players also forget that holding the sprint button continuously can sometimes make their runner overshoot a base, so timing when to start and stop sprinting is crucial.
When Should I Attempt to Steal a Base?
Stealing bases is risky, but in general, you want to do it when the pitcher is slow to the plate or when your player has high steal ratings. Most players wait for certain pitcher tendencies, like long windups or pitchers who glance at first base before delivering.
In MLB The Show 26, the jump meter is key. Usually, you want to start the steal when the pitcher's motion has progressed just past the point where the ball leaves their hand. Most players will practice timing in offline modes to get used to how different pitchers’ deliveries affect the jump.
How Do I Take Advantage of Lead-Offs?
Most players underestimate how much of a difference a good lead-off can make. In general, the farther you can safely lead off the base without getting picked off, the better chance you have of stealing or taking an extra base on a hit.
In practice, you want to watch the pitcher’s pick-off moves carefully. Most players stick to small, cautious steps early in the count and increase their lead later. It’s also worth noting that certain sliders or camera angles can help you judge the pitcher’s motion better than others, which is why experienced players adjust their view depending on the situation.
What About Reading the Ball Off the Bat?
Base running is not just about speed—it’s about judgment. In general, you should pay attention to the ball’s trajectory and the fielder’s position. Most players make the mistake of assuming a ball hit to the outfield is automatically going to allow a double or triple. In practice, you need to check how quickly the outfielder is moving and where the cutoff men are positioned.
Holding the R2/RT button to prepare for a slide or turn is crucial. Most players also learn to release the sprint button at the right time to avoid overrunning bases, especially when going from first to third on a single or tagging up on a fly ball.
How Do I Avoid Getting Picked Off?
Pick-offs can be frustrating, but most players can reduce the risk with proper timing and positioning. In general, taking small, controlled steps while keeping an eye on the pitcher works better than constantly jumping back and forth. Experienced players often watch for pitchers’ patterns—some pitchers favor quick throws after certain pitches, while others rarely attempt pick-offs.
Most players also use the right stick to break towards the next base at the perfect moment. This can sometimes give your runner a head start, especially when the pitcher is distracted by the batter.
How Do I Know When to Tag Up?
Tagging up is often ignored by new players, but in general, it’s one of the easiest ways to take an extra base. Most players wait until the ball is securely caught before attempting the tag, but experienced players start their motion a fraction of a second earlier, timing it so they don’t get thrown out.
In MLB The Show 26, it’s important to know your runner’s speed relative to the outfielder’s arm. Most players practice reading these situations in offline games, and usually, the key is patience—don’t rush the tag if the throw is accurate.
Should I Always Use Manual or Auto Base Running?
Most players debate whether to use manual base running or the automatic system. In general, auto base running is fine for beginners, but experienced players usually switch to manual for crucial situations. Manual allows you to take smarter angles, slide at the right time, and avoid unnecessary outs.
In practice, most players find manual base running takes a little getting used to, especially timing jumps and slides, but it pays off when trying to steal, take extra bases, or avoid double plays. One common tip is to practice on lower difficulty levels to get a feel for manual controls before trying it in ranked or high-stakes games.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-sprinting: Most players hold the sprint button too long, leading to overshooting bases or getting tagged out.
Ignoring fielder arms: Not all balls hit to the outfield are safe for extra bases. Watch the arm strength of the defenders.
Bad lead-offs: Too much or too little distance from the base can make you an easy target for pick-offs.
Relying solely on auto base running: While convenient, auto can make poor decisions in high-pressure situations.
By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on timing, judgment, and awareness, most players improve their base running significantly.
Base running in MLB The Show 26 is a mix of speed, timing, and awareness. Most players who take the time to practice lead-offs, steals, and tagging up notice a real difference in scoring runs. It’s not just about raw speed—judging the ball off the bat, reading the pitcher, and timing your moves make the biggest difference.
Even if you’re focusing on hitting or pitching, investing some time into base running will pay off in the long run. For players looking to get extra help in Road to the Show, some even choose to purchase MLB The Show 26 stubs to quickly test new strategies in games without waiting to level up their players.
How Do I Improve My Speed on the Bases?
In general, your base runner's speed is affected by their attributes, especially speed and acceleration. Most players focus on improving these stats through training sessions, equipment boosts, and attribute points when leveling up.
In practice, even fast runners don’t always take full advantage of their speed. Make sure to use the left stick to take efficient paths around bases instead of running in straight lines that hug the baseline too closely. Most players also forget that holding the sprint button continuously can sometimes make their runner overshoot a base, so timing when to start and stop sprinting is crucial.
When Should I Attempt to Steal a Base?
Stealing bases is risky, but in general, you want to do it when the pitcher is slow to the plate or when your player has high steal ratings. Most players wait for certain pitcher tendencies, like long windups or pitchers who glance at first base before delivering.
In MLB The Show 26, the jump meter is key. Usually, you want to start the steal when the pitcher's motion has progressed just past the point where the ball leaves their hand. Most players will practice timing in offline modes to get used to how different pitchers’ deliveries affect the jump.
How Do I Take Advantage of Lead-Offs?
Most players underestimate how much of a difference a good lead-off can make. In general, the farther you can safely lead off the base without getting picked off, the better chance you have of stealing or taking an extra base on a hit.
In practice, you want to watch the pitcher’s pick-off moves carefully. Most players stick to small, cautious steps early in the count and increase their lead later. It’s also worth noting that certain sliders or camera angles can help you judge the pitcher’s motion better than others, which is why experienced players adjust their view depending on the situation.
What About Reading the Ball Off the Bat?
Base running is not just about speed—it’s about judgment. In general, you should pay attention to the ball’s trajectory and the fielder’s position. Most players make the mistake of assuming a ball hit to the outfield is automatically going to allow a double or triple. In practice, you need to check how quickly the outfielder is moving and where the cutoff men are positioned.
Holding the R2/RT button to prepare for a slide or turn is crucial. Most players also learn to release the sprint button at the right time to avoid overrunning bases, especially when going from first to third on a single or tagging up on a fly ball.
How Do I Avoid Getting Picked Off?
Pick-offs can be frustrating, but most players can reduce the risk with proper timing and positioning. In general, taking small, controlled steps while keeping an eye on the pitcher works better than constantly jumping back and forth. Experienced players often watch for pitchers’ patterns—some pitchers favor quick throws after certain pitches, while others rarely attempt pick-offs.
Most players also use the right stick to break towards the next base at the perfect moment. This can sometimes give your runner a head start, especially when the pitcher is distracted by the batter.
How Do I Know When to Tag Up?
Tagging up is often ignored by new players, but in general, it’s one of the easiest ways to take an extra base. Most players wait until the ball is securely caught before attempting the tag, but experienced players start their motion a fraction of a second earlier, timing it so they don’t get thrown out.
In MLB The Show 26, it’s important to know your runner’s speed relative to the outfielder’s arm. Most players practice reading these situations in offline games, and usually, the key is patience—don’t rush the tag if the throw is accurate.
Should I Always Use Manual or Auto Base Running?
Most players debate whether to use manual base running or the automatic system. In general, auto base running is fine for beginners, but experienced players usually switch to manual for crucial situations. Manual allows you to take smarter angles, slide at the right time, and avoid unnecessary outs.
In practice, most players find manual base running takes a little getting used to, especially timing jumps and slides, but it pays off when trying to steal, take extra bases, or avoid double plays. One common tip is to practice on lower difficulty levels to get a feel for manual controls before trying it in ranked or high-stakes games.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-sprinting: Most players hold the sprint button too long, leading to overshooting bases or getting tagged out.
Ignoring fielder arms: Not all balls hit to the outfield are safe for extra bases. Watch the arm strength of the defenders.
Bad lead-offs: Too much or too little distance from the base can make you an easy target for pick-offs.
Relying solely on auto base running: While convenient, auto can make poor decisions in high-pressure situations.
By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on timing, judgment, and awareness, most players improve their base running significantly.
Base running in MLB The Show 26 is a mix of speed, timing, and awareness. Most players who take the time to practice lead-offs, steals, and tagging up notice a real difference in scoring runs. It’s not just about raw speed—judging the ball off the bat, reading the pitcher, and timing your moves make the biggest difference.
Even if you’re focusing on hitting or pitching, investing some time into base running will pay off in the long run. For players looking to get extra help in Road to the Show, some even choose to purchase MLB The Show 26 stubs to quickly test new strategies in games without waiting to level up their players.