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In MLB The Show 26, one of the most noticeable changes from previous editions is the expanded field sizes. While the game already does a great job of replicating real-life baseball experiences, dealing with larger outfields requires players to adjust their strategies, particularly when it comes to defense, hitting, and base running. This guide will help you understand the impact of large outfields on your gameplay and offer practical tips to adapt. How Does the Outfield Size Affect the Game?The outfield in MLB The Show 26 is larger than in earlier editions, which can create challenges for both hitters and fielders. For batters, hitting a ball into the gaps can lead to extra-base hits, but getting that ball out of the park becomes a tougher task, especially for power hitters. For fielders, a larger outfield means more ground to cover, and positioning becomes crucial to make sure you can track down those hits. What’s Different About the Outfield Size?In MLB The Show 26, the outfield dimensions for certain stadiums have been adjusted to reflect more realistic measurements. Larger outfields, for example, tend to be seen in parks like Fenway Park, which has deeper walls, and in some new stadiums that try to balance the game’s power dynamics. These changes can affect both gameplay and player performance. What Does This Mean for Batters?With a larger outfield, you'll see fewer home runs, but you might get more doubles and triples, especially if you hit the ball into the gaps. The deeper walls require more precision in your swing mechanics and timing. Players who rely on power might notice that their home run stats take a dip in larger parks, but they could make up for it with extra-base hits. For batters, it’s essential to adjust your approach. You’ll need to be more patient and wait for pitches you can drive into the gaps. Batting with a higher contact rate will help you make the most of those larger outfields. That way, even if the ball doesn’t leave the park, you can still get extra bases with a well-placed hit. How Does the Large Outfield Affect Fielding?The real challenge with larger outfields is on defense. Outfielders need to cover more ground, which increases the importance of positioning. The larger the field, the more you have to pay attention to where you position your outfielders. In smaller outfields, you might get away with a less-than-perfect positioning, but that won’t work in larger parks. In practice, this means that you’ll need to move your outfielders deeper or closer to the lines, depending on the batter’s tendencies. For example, with a left-handed power hitter at the plate, you might want to shift your outfielders closer to right-center to account for their potential pull tendencies. Tips for fielding in large outfields: Take advantage of the shift settings: You can manually adjust outfielder positioning in the pre-pitch screen. Focus on reaction time: With larger outfields, every step matters when chasing down a fly ball. The more you play, the quicker your reactions will be. Track the ball early: This might seem like a basic tip, but with the extra distance, reading the ball off the bat is even more important.
The larger outfield makes it easier for well-hit balls to drop in for extra bases. That means you should always be aware of the potential for doubles and triples. Position your outfielders accordingly. How Does the Base Running Change with a Larger Outfield?With extra-base hits becoming more frequent, base running becomes an even more crucial part of your game. The deeper outfields create more opportunities to stretch hits into doubles or triples. When the ball is hit into the gap or to the warning track, you should already have your mind on advancing to the next base. Here are some tips for base running in larger outfields: Be aggressive, but smart: While you may want to push for extra bases, you need to make sure you’re not risking an out by taking too large of a lead or running recklessly. Know your players' speed: In MLB The Show 26, players have different sprinting abilities. If you have a fast player on the bases, you can afford to be more aggressive. If you have a slower player, consider playing it safe and holding them at the next base. Pay attention to outfielders' arms: Larger outfields can mean longer throws, but it also means that outfielders are more likely to have to make longer, more accurate throws. Watch how their throws behave in-game and adjust your running accordingly.
Remember that while larger outfields allow for more extra-base hits, they also mean that fielders have to make longer throws, so you’ll have more time to take extra bases. How Do You Adjust Your Pitching?A larger outfield also influences pitching, especially when it comes to your approach with the ball in the air. Balls hit into the gaps may turn into extra-base hits, so you need to be more strategic in how you pitch to batters. Here are a few things to keep in mind for pitchers: Focus on keeping the ball on the ground: If you can induce more ground balls, you’ll limit the damage caused by larger outfields. Pitch to contact strategically: With larger gaps, sometimes it's better to pitch to contact but in a way that keeps the ball away from the heart of the field. Pay attention to batter weaknesses: Understand where batters are likely to hit the ball. A fastball up in the zone might be more effective against some hitters, while others may struggle with breaking balls low and away.
How Does the Outfield Size Affect My In-Game Economy?In MLB The Show 26, the gameplay is not just about skill but also about managing your team’s roster. A larger outfield might require some roster adjustments. For instance, outfielders with good range and arm strength are even more valuable in large stadiums. If you’re looking to make roster upgrades, you might need to spend some MLB The Show 26 stubs to get the right players. These stubs can be used to buy better outfielders or pitchers who can help you cope with the demands of larger outfields. If you're working with a limited budget, keep an eye on players who excel at covering ground. A strong defensive outfielder might be worth more than a power hitter in a larger park, so you’ll want to make decisions based on the specific stadiums you play in most frequently. Adjusting to larger outfields in MLB The Show 26 is all about adapting your gameplay. Batters should focus on hitting for contact and precision rather than power alone, while fielders need to perfect their positioning and reactions. Base runners should take advantage of the extra-base hit opportunities that larger fields offer, and pitchers must adjust by keeping the ball down and limiting hard-hit balls. By understanding how larger outfields affect gameplay, you can adjust your strategies and become a more effective player in MLB The Show 26. Whether you’re looking to make a few simple adjustments or overhaul your approach entirely, the key is to stay patient and keep practicing.
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