Mastering the mound in MLB The Show 25 is about more than throwing heat or nailing perfect accuracy. If you want to shut down elite hitters and dominate in ranked games or Diamond Dynasty, you need to dive deeper into the mechanics and psychology of pitching. Here are 12 advanced pitching tricks that go beyond the basics to help you outwit opponents and take control of every at-bat.

1. Sequence Your Pitches Like a Pro

Mixing speeds and eye levels isn't enough anymore. Use real-life sequencing strategies—fastball inside, off-speed away, then up in the zone—to keep hitters guessing. Predictability is your worst enemy.

2. Use Pinpoint Pitching for Full Control

If you haven’t mastered Pinpoint Pitching yet, now’s the time. It gives the highest level of precision and break control, essential for placing that cutter right on the hands or painting the corner with a slider.

3. Tunnel Your Breaking Balls

Pitch tunneling is a game-changer. Throw your fastball and slider from the same release point to confuse hitters. When they look identical until the last moment, you force more swings and misses.

4. Vary Your Timing with the Meter

Even if you're not using Pinpoint, vary your release timing with Meter or Pulse pitching. Slight changes can disrupt a hitter’s timing and make even a low-velocity changeup feel unhittable.

5. Exploit the Swing Tendencies of Online Opponents

Pay close attention to what your opponent chases. If they can’t lay off high fastballs, keep feeding them just out of the zone. This situational awareness is critical in ranked play.

6. Set Up Strikeouts Early

Start with soft contact or called strikes in the early counts, then bring the heat or snap a sharp curve when they least expect it. Build toward strikeouts, don’t force them.

7. Mix Arm Angles and Pitch Types

Utilize pitchers with sidearm or submarine deliveries to break rhythm. Combine these deliveries with unique pitch types like sweeping curves or two-seam fastballs with run for added deception.

8. Pitch to Contact with Confidence

Not every pitch needs to be a strikeout. With good defense and smart positioning, pitching to contact can help you conserve energy and maintain control deep into games.

9. Use Bullpen Matchups Strategically

Always warm up multiple relievers and be mindful of hitter splits. Match a lefty with a sweeping slider against left-handed batters, or use a sinkerballer to induce double plays when needed.

10. Study Your Pitcher's Confidence Meter

Pitcher confidence changes everything. The more confident they are in a pitch, the more accurate and effective it becomes. Focus on landing early strikes to build this confidence faster.

11. Practice Bullpen Management in Moments and Mini Seasons

Try pitching drills or bullpen scenarios in Mini Seasons or Moments to improve under pressure. It also helps conserve energy and improve familiarity with different arms and pitch styles.

12. Invest in Elite Pitchers Early

Stacking your roster with top-tier arms gives you more control on the mound and keeps you competitive. If you're looking to build your bullpen or rotation fast, many players choose to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to grab those high-diamond cards. One of the best places to buy stubs MLB The Show 25 players frequently recommend is U4N, known for consistent pricing and fast delivery.

Pitching in MLB The Show 25 is as much about strategy and psychology as it is about mechanics. Whether you're looking to dominate in Ranked Seasons or just sharpen your skills, these advanced tricks will help you stay a step ahead on the mound.