Recently, we here at Operation Sports gave MLB The Show 25 players some tips on how to draft a squad for Battle Royale. But now that you’ve drafted your team and are ready to take it into BR play, how exactly should you approach each game?
In the past, we’ve provided some tips on how to become a better hitter in MLB The Show 25. We’ve also talked about how to improve your pitching. In a way, these tips are an extension of those same principles, but more tailored to performing in a more focused way when it comes to the incredibly abbreviated and unique format that BR provides.
Tips For Battle Royale In MLB The Show 25
Take More Pitches
As mentioned in the intro, Battle Royale (or “BR” for short) is a very quick-paced mode. Instead of games going nine innings like in Ranked, BR games only last three. Because of this, a pitcher’s stamina will drain far more quickly than it normally does. Typically, a starting pitcher will only face one or two batters before their stamina moves into the yellow, and they became especially erratic after three-four batters.
When at the plate, it’s important to keep this in mind and take pitches. Unless you’re in a two-strike count or are sitting on a specific pitch in a particular area, don’t be afraid to take pitches and force your opponent into their bullpen early. Even when something’s a strike, there’s no sense in swinging at something you aren’t sure you can hit. That’s how you get quick outs at the plate.
Pitch For Contact
Now that we’ve established a good strategy when it comes to hitting, what about pitching in Battle Royale? An important principle to bring into BR matches is to pitch for contact. Instead of looking for that out-pitch or trying to get your opponent to chase, throw sliders or cutters away, and try to get eager opponents to roll over on something. Alternatively, you can jam hitters inside and induce weak contact.
The name of the game in BR is to avoid depleting your pitching staff too early. At the very most, you want to be using one pitcher per inning, as any game in which you use more than four pitchers can have adverse effects on your ability to shut down games in the future, even if you win.
Don’t Hesitate To Use Defensive Replacements
While hitting is pretty much the goal in Battle Royale, having good defensive players can be the difference between a routine out and an extra-base hit through the gap. If you’re winning in the third or extra innings, don’t hesitate to use a defensive replacement should you have one available on the bench.
The positions that are of the most importance when it comes to defense are shortstop and center field, as both require the most range. So if you have a guy like Stuart Fairchild or Jaison Chouriou on your bench, throw them in there when every out counts.
Don’t Be Discouraged If You Fall Behind Early
It’s incredibly easy to hang your head if you give up a bunch of runs in an inning. Trust me, we’ve all been there. And I can sympathize with you wanting to quit the game and take a break. But, as a reminder, most of the pitchers you’ll be facing will be mediocre at best and bad at worst, at least as it pertains to those pitchers’ attributes.
Because of this, I’d strongly encourage any player who’s losing big, no matter the inning, to stick it out. I have personally been on the wrong end of a 5-0 or 7-1 scoreline in Battle Royale. But, assuming you’re at least decent at hitting, that kind of deficit isn’t as bad as you would think, at least compared to other modes such as Ranked or Weekend Classic.
Don’t Leave Pitchers In Too Long
This is a tip that can easily be translated into other MLB The Show 25 modes, be it’s even more important in BR. Despite my urging you to be economical with your pitchers earlier in this article, do not — and I mean do not — leave your pitchers in past their expiration date.
If your pitcher is in the red when it comes to stamina, pull the plug and put someone new in. The same goes for their confidence — if it dips below halfway in the bar, give him the hook. Tired/unconfident pitchers give up hits, and hits lead to runs. Plus, in modes such as BR, pitchers only need to face a minimum of one batter before you can pull them.
Save Your Bullpen’s Best Arms When Up Big
A lot of players who participate in BR are MLB The Show vets who will be decent at the game. Therefore, if you ever find yourself up a bunch of runs late in the game, don’t be afraid to throw out one of your worst relievers to get the job done.
Avoid using good arms like Hoby Milner, Devin Williams, or Robert Suarez if you’re up a bunch and outmatch your opponent. Typically, in this situation, players will become desperate anyway and start flailing at everything in a Hail Mary attempt to get something going. Use that eagerness against them and throw them nothing to hit. And if things get hairy, you always have those more capable arms at the ready.
Play In A Hitter-Friendly Stadium
I know you’re tired of hearing about it, but hitting in bunches is the primary goal of Battle Royale. And to create an environment where your good swings are rewarded, it’s important you choose a hitter-friendly stadium to play in.
This year, San Diego Studio has nerfed elevation to encourage more variety in stadium selection. However, stadiums such as Coors Field still foster environments where Perfect-Perfect hits are rewarded as home runs. Minor League parks such as Capital Lange Park or Oak Street are also ideal for BR due to their short dimensions. Shield Woods Park and Shippett Stadium — though nerfed from last year — aren’t bad shouts either.
