Not long ago, SDS gave us the first morsels of information on MLB The Show 26. With the release window most likely being March or April, the wait was on for anything new to come down the pipeline.
It didn't take long for some more reveals to trickle out, and this time we got a taste of information for several different modes.
Gameplay
The direct quote from SDS' own article states the following:
"To name a few examples: new catches on the run allow fielders to cover bases in a more realistic and efficient way. New, more efficient cutoff throws enable corner infielders to get rid of the ball more naturally while cutting down runners trying to take an extra base. Knee-down catchers now have a full arsenal of new animations to support smarter and more realistic actions. Pop time for catchers is now its own attribute, helping separate the best from the rest. Using real-life data metrics, Fielders Reaction rating is now split into four directional attributes instead of just one.
New defensive catch animations are being added that allow players to make plays on balls using true-to-life physics across all surface types and walls.
We’re also introducing a suite of new gameplay features such as “Bear Down”, “Big Zone Hitting”, “PCI Sensitivity”, “Fixed Zone”, and “Free Anchor”. We’ll share more details about all these improvements and additions in the new year. But that’s not all, ABS and PitchCom will add even more replay depth in MLB The Show 26."
There's actually quite a bit to unpack here.
The first couple of lines sound mostly like the requisite "new animations" addition that every sports game will discuss each year. That's not insignificant, as improved animations on key plays (like the ones listed) can improve not only the realism, but the overall competitive flow of the game. Specifically, knee-down catchers will add a whole new flavor to the game between the new animations and how they play out in-game.
Pop-Time is now a standalone attribute, not just a Quirk listed for specific catchers. This implies that a catcher's Arm Strength attribute will no longer be the primary factor in throwing out baserunners, and seeing the interplay between all catcher attributes will be interesting to see as release draws near.
Reaction is now split into four different directional attributes. This could end up being one of the most significant changes to gameplay we've ever seen. With SDS' allusion to "real-life metrics" almost certainly meaning Statcast and other advanced data, that means each player will have unique range that mirrors their real life ability. On the surface, this sounds amazing and should really shake up the defensive aspect of MLB The Show 26. Especially online, as it will create even more decision making thresholds and add a new spin to team building.
The last paragraph details a handful of features that will be detailed at a later date. Bear Down sounds like some kind of momentum mechanic? Perhaps we'll have the ability to "reach into the tank" on the mound, and sacrifice more stamina in order to max out on velocity or break to get out of tough spots?
"Big Zone Hitting and Fixed Zone" both indicate changes to hitting, which will be a substantial deal depending on what the features actually entail.
Two screenshots were provided that at least give us some tangible detail on PCI Sensitivity and Anchor Mirror. The sensitivity slider is self-explanatory, as we'll finally have the ability to customize how responsive our PCI is moving through the zone. This is massive. Anchor Mirror is noted as "anchor always stays where you previously set it."
The final line at the end touching on ABS and PitchCom should have huge gameplay implications. The strikezone in MLB The Show 25 is, to put it lightly, offensively horrible, inconsistent, and potentially an arm of an unknown Communist regime. ABS should hopefully mean pitches that touch the strikezone are actually called strikes, which would create a whole new dynamic with competitive gameplay. The PitchCom aspect is intriguing, and seeing how it's implemented could be more presentation than gameplay-altering.
Franchise
We get our first real Franchise details, speaking on the subject of lineup logic.
SDS provided a couple of screenshots, with the left side showing the old logic from MLB The Show 25 and the right side showing the new logic in MLB The Show 26.
The promise at the end of the blurb is that lineups are more realistic, and modern baseball methodology and analytics are applied. Specifically, SDS highlights that On-Base Percentage is more relevant at the top of the order, with the team's best hitter being in the 2-hole more common. Throughout a given season, teams will shuffle lineups based on performance.
This all sounds promising, but anything logic related in Franchise always needs some real testing before getting too excited. Still, these are very relevant changes that should promote a more immersive Franchise experience.
Road to the Show
Finally, SDS announced that 11 new colleges will be added to MLB The Show 26 in addition to the schools featured in MLB The Show 25.
Two colleges were revealed in this drop: North Carolina Tar Heels and Oregon State Beavers.
Closing Thoughts
Getting more details on The Show 26 before the end of the year is awesome, and I'll be selfishly hoping for even more details. We don't get the juiciest Diamond Dynasty related nuggets until firmly in the middle of pre-release, but here's to hopin'.
What are you most excited for out of the initial MLB The Show 26 reveals?
Cory Wayne Dell
Cory has been writing about all things baseball and gaming since 2022 and has been featured at Operation Sports as well as cited by Forbes. Cory is also a multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band Cargocastle. Cargocastle's latest single, "Truth and Reconciliation," is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Cory is also the author of Shadow of a Monster, a personal memoir currently seeking publication.
