I’ve been diving deep into MLB The Show 25 lately, and I have to say, this year’s gameplay enhancements are some of the most meaningful changes the franchise has seen in years. The headline additions like “Ambush Hitting” and the defensive https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-25-stubs reaction system have completely changed how I approach games, and the meta is evolving in real time.
First, let’s talk about Ambush Hitting. It’s no secret that past entries in the series suffered from a kind of robotic approach to hitting—wait for your pitch, time it right, rinse and repeat. But this year, we’re getting rewarded for reading the pitcher and taking a calculated risk. Ambush Hitting gives players a window to “commit early” to a pitch if they anticipate the location or type, leading to more powerful contact and better exit velocity. It’s not just a button-mashing mechanic either—it requires timing, prediction, and knowledge of the pitcher’s tendencies. This has made at-bats way more dynamic, and it honestly feels like you’re playing mind games with the opponent in a much more engaging way than before.
Now, onto defense. One of the things that’s bugged me in past games was how infielder reactions didn’t feel quite right—players would make miraculous dives or teleport into animations, but now, The Show 25 has tightened that up. The initial step or “first movement” matters a lot more. Fielders feel more grounded in reality, meaning you’ll see difference between Gold Glove-level defenders and average players based on reaction speed and angle of approach. This change also punishes lazy positioning and rewards smart shifts and player development in Franchise and Diamond Dynasty modes.
I’ve also noticed that fielding animations have been expanded to match these changes. The game now includes transitional animations that allow for smoother turns and quicker throws, especially on tough double plays. It's subtle, but it adds to the immersion.
The result of these changes? A much more thoughtful and intense baseball sim. I’ve played dozens of online games and I can say that people are adjusting their strategies. Power hitters are getting pitched differently, and there’s more infield variability—less automation, more skill.
If these are the kinds of changes San Diego Studio keeps making, I’m all in. It’s early in the game’s life cycle, but these enhancements show real ambition to elevate gameplay beyond just cosmetics and roster updates. For the first time in a while, I feel like I’m learning the game all over again—and I love it.