Mastering pitching in MLB The Show 25 can be the difference between dominating the diamond and watching your opponent crush homers off every mistake. Whether you’re grinding in Diamond Dynasty or climbing the ranks in online play, having a deep, unpredictable arsenal is key. Here are 20 pitching repertoires that will leave hitters guessing—and swinging at air.
1. The Classic Four-Seam & Slider Combo
A high-velocity four-seamer up in the zone paired with a sharp, late-breaking slider is a timeless combo. Use the fastball to set up the slider diving out of the strike zone.
2. Sinker-Cutter Domination
Pitchers with heavy sinkers and cutters can induce weak contact. Tunnel the sinker inside with a cutter that looks like a strike before darting away.
3. The Deceptive Changeup
A well-placed changeup, especially after high fastballs, fools even the best timing. Mix speeds and locations to keep hitters off-balance.
4. Knuckleball Chaos
Rare but devastating, a knuckleball flutters unpredictably. Use it sparingly to disrupt a hitter’s rhythm after a steady diet of fastballs.
5. Curveball Drop-off
A big 12-6 curveball works best when buried below the zone. Pair it with high heat to exaggerate the speed differential.
6. Splitter as a Strikeout Pitch
A diving splitter mimics a fastball out of the hand but drops off the table. Perfect for two-strike counts.
7. Two-Seam Run & Slider Sweep
A two-seamer with arm-side run sets up a sweeping slider breaking the opposite way. This east-west approach keeps hitters guessing.
8. The Backdoor Slider
Start a slider off the plate and let it break back over the corner for called strikes. Works especially well against opposite-handed hitters.
9. High Fastball, Low Changeup
This classic speed differential combo forces awkward swings. Elevate the fastball, then bury the change below the knees.
10. The “Vulcan” Changeup
A hybrid changeup with slight fade and drop, the Vulcan is deadly when disguised like a fastball.
11. Slurve for Versatility
A slurve blends slider and curve traits, giving you a breaking ball that’s harder to read.
12. Sinker-Splitter Ground Ball Duo
Induce double plays by pounding the sinker low, then dropping a splitter even lower.
13. The “Invisiball” Four-Seam & Curve
A high-riding four-seamer paired with a sharp curve plays with the hitter’s eye level.
14. Cutter Inside, Changeup Away
Jam righties with inside cutters, then fade a changeup away for weak contact.
15. Forkball as a Putaway Pitch
Similar to a splitter but with more drop, the forkball is a nasty finisher.
16. The “Reverse Splits” Approach
Use a pitcher’s secondary pitches against their usual platoon advantage—like a lefty’s slider vs. righties.
17. Fastball Up, Slider Down
A simple but effective sequence: challenge hitters upstairs, then bury the slider.
18. The “Slow Curve” Mind Game
After multiple fastballs, a slow, looping curve disrupts timing entirely.
19. Sinker-Slider for Ground Outs
A sinker inside followed by a slider away generates weak contact and double plays.
20. The “Unhittable” Triple Mix
Combine a high fastball, low changeup, and sweeping slider for a three-pitch sequence that’s nearly impossible to square up.
Final Tips for Pitching Success
- Vary sequencing—don’t fall into predictable patterns.
- Pay attention to hitter tendencies—adjust based on their weaknesses.
- Practice pinpoint control—hitting corners is more effective than raw velocity.
If you’re looking to bolster your Diamond Dynasty squad with elite pitchers, you might consider ways to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to acquire top-tier players. Just be cautious of offers for cheap MLB The Show 25 stubs for sale and ensure you’re dealing with reputable sources.
