In MLB The Show 26, one of the biggest changes this year is how the game handles high-velocity pitching. As players, we’re all familiar with the challenge of facing hard-throwing pitchers. Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing the series for years, adjusting to pitches coming in at over 95 mph is no small task. This guide will walk you through how to handle these pitchers, break down common mistakes, and offer practical tips for improving your hitting in these situations.



Why Is High Velocity Hard to Handle?



First, let’s break down why high-velocity pitches are so tough to deal with. The main issue is reaction time. A fastball coming in at 98 mph or faster leaves you with less time to react. In real life, even professional hitters struggle with this—so it's not surprising that in MLB The Show 26, it can feel like a challenge.



In practice, you’ll notice the ball coming in quicker than you expect. It’s not just a matter of timing your swing but also being able to judge the pitch's location in a split second. That’s why many players either swing too early or too late when facing high-velocity pitchers.



How Can I Improve My Timing?



Timing is everything against high-velocity pitchers. If you can’t get your timing down, you won’t be able to make consistent contact, no matter how good your swing is. Here are a few tips for improving timing:



1. Use Batting Practice



Before jumping into ranked or online games, spend some time in batting practice mode. Focus on facing high-velocity pitchers. Use different pitch speeds to train your reaction time. When you get a feel for how fast the ball comes in, it will help you adjust when the heat is on in a real game.



2. Focus on the Release Point



One key to adjusting to fast pitching is tracking the release point. The moment the pitcher releases the ball is when you should start your swing. Try to pick up the ball early. If you can anticipate the pitch release, you’ll have a better shot at timing your swing.



3. Adjust Your Swing Timing in Settings



In MLB The Show 26, you can fine-tune your swing timing in the settings. If you're struggling to adjust to high velocity, consider tweaking the timing window or swing feedback settings. You might want to extend the timing window slightly or adjust the pitch speed in the settings until you feel more comfortable.



4. Practice with Different Batting Stances



Sometimes, a small change in your batting stance can improve your reaction time. Experiment with different stances and see which one feels more natural when facing hard throwers. If you’re finding it hard to time fastballs, a more open stance might help you track the ball better.



What Should I Do If I Keep Swinging Too Early?



A common issue with high-velocity pitchers is swinging too early. This usually happens because you’re anticipating the pitch too soon, especially on fastballs. Here’s what you can do:



1. Wait for the Pitch to Arrive in the Strike Zone



This is easier said than done, but the key is to hold off and let the pitch come closer to the plate. Especially with high-velocity pitchers, patience is essential. If you try to "jump" on the pitch too soon, you’re more likely to be early and miss.



2. Shorten Your Swing



If you consistently swing too early, try shortening your swing. This allows you to react faster and adjust to different pitch speeds. A shorter, quicker swing is more effective when facing pitchers who throw hard.



3. Be Selective with Your Pitches



Don’t feel like you need to swing at every pitch, especially against pitchers with high velocity. Take advantage of pitches outside the strike zone and look for one you can drive. If you keep chasing bad pitches, you’ll only make the pitcher’s job easier.



What If I Can’t Catch Up to the Fastballs?



It’s frustrating when you know you should be hitting those fastballs but just can’t catch up to them. If you’re consistently late, try these adjustments:



1. Adjust Your Timing Settings



Sometimes, the default settings just don’t suit everyone’s timing. Try adjusting your game’s pitch speed to "slow" for a bit during practice, then gradually increase it as you adjust to the fastballs. This helps develop better timing and anticipation, so you won’t be caught off guard by high-velocity pitchers.



2. Focus on Getting Your Hands Through the Zone



A common mistake is focusing too much on the big swing. Against fast pitchers, you need to focus on getting your hands through the zone quickly. By doing so, you’ll have a better chance of making solid contact. Shorten your swing and focus on quick, compact movements.



3. Track Fastballs in Simulated Games



Even if you’re not in the heat of an online game, try facing simulated games with hard-throwing pitchers. Start with lower difficulty and increase it once you feel more comfortable with your timing. Practice makes perfect, and you need to train your brain to get used to the speed.



How Can I Take Advantage of High-Velocity Pitchers?



High-velocity pitchers might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you can exploit their speed to your advantage. Here’s how:



1. Look for Off-Speed Pitches



While high-velocity pitchers often throw a fastball to set up other pitches, they’ll mix in breaking balls or off-speed pitches to keep you off balance. If you can recognize when they’re throwing something slower, you’ll have a better chance to adjust your timing.



2. Work the Count



It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to hit the first fastball you see. But against hard throwers, it’s often better to work the count. Take pitches and look for a pitch you can drive. If you get the pitcher’s count to your advantage (say, 3-1), you’ll increase your chances of seeing a pitch in your sweet spot.



3. Don’t Be Afraid to Bunt or Hit and Run



If you’re really struggling with timing, consider using a bunt or a hit-and-run strategy. A well-placed bunt can force the pitcher to adjust their delivery, and with high velocity, the defense might not be ready for a quick bunt down the line. This can put pressure on the pitcher and defense, especially if they’re focused on getting strikeouts.



Can I Improve My Chances with Better Equipment?



In MLB The Show 26, player equipment plays a role in overall performance, and this can help with handling fast pitching. Bat speed, reaction time, and contact ratings are key factors in whether or not you'll make solid contact. If you find yourself struggling with high-velocity pitchers, look into improving your equipment. You can even considerbuy MLB 26 stubs PS5 to unlock better gear for your player.



What’s the Best Way to Stay Calm in High-Pressure Situations?



When facing a hard-throwing pitcher, it’s easy to feel rushed or flustered. This often leads to mistakes, such as swinging too early or getting impatient. Staying calm is key:



1. Trust Your Training



If you’ve been practicing your timing and reactions, trust yourself. Don’t let the velocity of the pitches throw you off. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.



2. Stay Patient



If you’re struggling against high-velocity pitchers, don’t try to force a big hit. Stay patient, focus on getting your timing right, and take advantage of your ability to hit when you’re ready.



Adjusting to high-velocity pitching in MLB The Show 26 takes time, but with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable. Start by working on your timing and swing mechanics, and make sure to practice with different pitch speeds. Don’t forget to stay patient—both in-game and in your training. Once you get the hang of handling fastballs, you’ll be able to take on even the toughest pitchers with confidence.