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How to Train Your Pitcher’s Arsenal Fast in MLB The Show 26

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 4:55 am
by flametamer
In MLB The Show 26, developing a pitcher’s arsenal efficiently is one of the fastest ways to dominate on the mound. Many new and even experienced players struggle with how to build a diverse and effective set of pitches without wasting time. This guide breaks down the process in practical terms, based on how most players approach the game.

How Does Pitcher Training Work in MLB The Show 26?

In general, pitcher development relies on three main factors: stamina, pitch attributes, and timing. Each pitch has stats like velocity, control, and break. Improving these stats increases your overall effectiveness in games. Usually, the training system allows you to focus on one or two skills at a time, so planning which pitch to prioritize first is important.

Most players start with fastballs and breaking balls because these pitches are used the most in games. Fastballs improve velocity, which in turn helps your breaking balls look sharper due to the contrast. Breaking balls like sliders or curveballs benefit from the arm angle and mechanics you develop when throwing fastballs consistently.

Which Pitches Should I Focus On First?

In general, you want to prioritize pitches that give you the most versatility. Most experienced players recommend the following order:

Four-Seam Fastball – This is the base pitch. It helps with velocity and stamina.

Slider or Curveball – These breaking pitches can keep hitters off balance.

Changeup – Essential for mixing speeds, especially against right-handed hitters if you are left-handed.

Secondary Fastballs (Two-Seam, Cutter) – These come later once your main pitches are reliable.

Usually, adding too many pitches too quickly can hurt your control. Players often see better results by fully upgrading two or three core pitches before adding more.

How Do You Train Pitches Efficiently?

Most players use a combination of practice modes and live games to develop their arsenal. Here’s the approach that works in general:

Bullpen Practice – Use the bullpen to focus on specific pitches. Pick a pitch and throw it repeatedly. Pay attention to control and the pitch’s break indicator.

Skill Challenges – MLB The Show 26 often includes pitch-specific challenges. Completing these not only improves stats but also helps you get a feel for timing.

Live Gameplay – Playing actual games helps translate practice into real-world use. Most players rotate between pitching in games and hitting practice sessions to maintain balance.

In practice, most players notice that their pitch control improves faster when they focus on one or two pitches at a time rather than switching constantly between four or five.

How to Balance Stamina and Pitching Growth

One thing that new players often overlook is stamina. You can have the best pitch arsenal, but without enough stamina, your effectiveness drops sharply after a few innings. Usually, the best approach is to combine bullpen sessions with stamina drills.

Throw long sessions of your main pitch at moderate intensity to build stamina and consistency.

Rotate in shorter sessions for breaking balls to improve accuracy without burning out.

Pay attention to your pitcher’s energy meter in games. Most players rest their pitcher when stamina dips below a certain level to avoid regression.

By balancing stamina with skill training, you ensure your pitcher can maintain peak performance throughout a game and grow their arsenal effectively.

Does Pitcher Level Affect Training Speed?

Yes, the pitcher’s overall rating influences how fast they can improve. In general:

Higher-rated pitchers improve slower in lower-impact training but are more consistent in games.

Lower-rated pitchers can make bigger jumps in stats, but control is usually harder to maintain.

Most players focus on developing one or two pitchers first, so they reach a strong, reliable rating before spreading resources to others.

Are There Shortcuts to Improve Pitches Faster?

In general, using stubs to buy training packs or boosts can speed up development. Some players buy MLB The Show 26 stubs xbox to get access to extra practice items, which can shave days off training time. That said, the most reliable improvement still comes from consistent practice and game experience. Relying solely on boosts without understanding pitch mechanics usually leads to uneven performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

From experience, here are mistakes that slow down pitch development:

Neglecting Stamina – Pitchers who focus only on velocity or breaking stats often underperform in late innings.

Switching Pitches Too Often – Jumping between five pitches without mastering one or two core pitches hurts control.

Ignoring Game Feedback – The game gives subtle hints through hitter reactions and pitch stats. Most players improve faster by reviewing performance after each session.

Overusing Power Pitches – Relying on fastballs alone can make secondary pitches ineffective. A balanced approach works better in the long run.

Putting It All Together

The fastest way to build a solid pitcher’s arsenal in MLB The Show 26 is to:

Start with your core pitches (fastball and slider/curve).

Use a combination of bullpen sessions, skill challenges, and live games.

Balance stamina and pitching practice.

Focus on consistency before expanding your arsenal.

Optionally, use stubs for minor speed boosts, but rely on regular practice.

Most players find that following this method makes their pitcher versatile and reliable in every game. The key is consistency—repeated, focused practice over time usually beats random short bursts of training.