Developing Young Pitchers in MLB The Show 26
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2026 10:04 pm
If you're diving into MLB The Show 26 and are looking to develop young pitchers in Franchise or Road to The Show mode, it’s important to understand how progression works and what strategies can lead to success over time. Whether you’re trying to build a rotation of future aces or just make sure a young pitcher doesn’t burn out, developing talent is a slow and careful process. Here are some frequently asked questions about developing young pitchers and how things really work in practice.
1. How do pitchers progress in MLB The Show 26?
In MLB The Show 26, pitchers progress based on a few key factors: training, performance, and age. Each player starts with a set of attributes—velocity, control, stamina, pitching repertoire, and mental attributes like composure—that will improve over time as they gain experience. The game follows a system where players naturally improve in a gradual fashion, but there are things you can do to speed up or enhance that development.
Performance on the mound: The more successful a pitcher is in actual games, the faster they’ll progress. This means good outings in games, especially if they’re under pressure, can lead to faster improvements in areas like stamina, pitch control, and even velocity.
Training and drills: You can assign drills and training to improve specific attributes, but this is not a magic fix. Young pitchers need time, and you want to be strategic with which attributes you focus on. Be mindful that overtraining a player too early or focusing on the wrong attributes can lead to plateauing or worse, burnout.
Age and development curve: Younger pitchers develop faster than older ones, but they also tend to have more volatile performance. Expect some inconsistencies in the early years, but don’t be discouraged if their numbers don’t always align with their potential early on.
2. What is the best way to train young pitchers?
Training is a big part of developing young pitchers in MLB The Show 26, but you should approach it carefully. Overloading a young player with training early on can hurt them in the long run. Focus on balancing between game experience and proper drills.
Target weak spots: Focus your drills on the areas that need the most improvement. For instance, if a pitcher has low control or a weak third pitch, those are areas you should work on early, as they’re critical for long-term success. You don’t need to make a pitcher a complete “all-around” player right away.
Stamina and composure: These are two of the most important attributes for young pitchers. Stamina helps with longer starts, while composure allows them to handle high-pressure situations. Early in their career, you may want to give them extra stamina training to keep them effective in later innings. Composure is key as well because it helps reduce the impact of poor performance in tight situations.
Velocity: Adding velocity to a pitcher’s repertoire is important, but it should be done gradually. Don’t rush it; instead, balance velocity training with other aspects of their game.
Pitching repertoire: Make sure you’re not neglecting pitch types. A well-rounded pitching arsenal can make a huge difference in the Show. Training to improve a pitcher’s curveball, slider, or change-up can give them more weapons to work with, allowing them to be more successful at the MLB level.
3. How does gameplay performance affect pitcher development?
In MLB The Show 26, how well your pitcher performs during actual games impacts their progression significantly. Good pitching performance in both simulated games and controlled games helps a player improve their stats.
In-game performance: Winning games, recording strikeouts, and minimizing walks are the most important factors that directly influence a pitcher’s progression. Make sure your pitcher is getting consistent innings, even if they aren’t always pitching the best. Focus on keeping their ERA under control and having quality starts whenever possible.
Pitch counts: Don’t overwork your pitcher. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to rack up wins, but consistently pushing your young pitcher too hard (over 100 pitches per game, for example) could stunt their growth or lead to injuries. Keeping pitch counts in check is important for maintaining their development speed.
Simulated games: If you’re not controlling the pitcher yourself, make sure to monitor their performances in simulated games. If your pitcher is struggling, you may need to make adjustments to their training or even their pitch selection to help them succeed.
4. How can I avoid stunting a young pitcher’s development?
Developing young pitchers takes time, and there are a few things to avoid in order to prevent hindering their growth:
Overuse: One of the most common mistakes players make is overusing their pitchers. In MLB The Show 26, if you pitch them too often or let them go too deep into games too early, it will wear them out and slow down their progression. Focus on giving young pitchers rest and space in between starts to ensure they develop properly.
Ignoring minor league play: Don’t skip over minor league development. Playing young pitchers in the minors before bringing them up to the big leagues can give them the experience they need without the pressure of major league games. It’s important to let them develop in a less stressful environment first, especially if they aren’t quite ready for the majors.
Setting too high expectations: Don’t expect your young pitchers to perform like seasoned veterans immediately. Young pitchers can be inconsistent, and it's a part of their development process. Let them grow into their roles, and be patient if their stats fluctuate.
Bad training choices: Don’t focus all of your training on one attribute. A young pitcher can’t develop a high ERA if they can’t throw strikes consistently, even if their velocity is through the roof. Be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses and make sure they’re improving in the right areas.
5. Should I spend MLB 26 stubs on developing pitchers?
MLB 26 stubs can be used for various purposes in the game, including upgrading player equipment or buying specific items to help with your team’s success. While stubs are helpful, they can also be used to boost the progression of your pitchers in a way that allows them to develop faster. But should you spend them on your young pitchers?
Investing in equipment: Using stubs to buy better training gear for your pitchers can speed up their development, allowing them to gain extra boosts to key stats. For example, purchasing a top-tier pitching glove or other equipment that improves their velocity, stamina, or control can make a noticeable difference.
Focus on long-term development: Be strategic when using stubs. While spending them to get a new piece of equipment for your pitchers might give them a temporary advantage, it’s best to invest in ways that benefit your team over the long term. Training resources are valuable, but don’t rush the process just for short-term gain.
If you want to speed up your pitcher’s development and maximize your potential, consider looking at MLB 26 stubs sale online. Keep an eye out for deals or discounts that allow you to spend wisely without overspending on unnecessary items.
Developing young pitchers in MLB The Show 26 is all about finding a balance between performance, training, and rest. Be patient with your pitchers, focus on training the right attributes, and make sure they get enough rest to avoid burnout. Performance on the mound plays a big role in progression, but don’t neglect the minor leagues and overall long-term development. With time and the right approach, your young pitchers will become key contributors to your team’s future success.
1. How do pitchers progress in MLB The Show 26?
In MLB The Show 26, pitchers progress based on a few key factors: training, performance, and age. Each player starts with a set of attributes—velocity, control, stamina, pitching repertoire, and mental attributes like composure—that will improve over time as they gain experience. The game follows a system where players naturally improve in a gradual fashion, but there are things you can do to speed up or enhance that development.
Performance on the mound: The more successful a pitcher is in actual games, the faster they’ll progress. This means good outings in games, especially if they’re under pressure, can lead to faster improvements in areas like stamina, pitch control, and even velocity.
Training and drills: You can assign drills and training to improve specific attributes, but this is not a magic fix. Young pitchers need time, and you want to be strategic with which attributes you focus on. Be mindful that overtraining a player too early or focusing on the wrong attributes can lead to plateauing or worse, burnout.
Age and development curve: Younger pitchers develop faster than older ones, but they also tend to have more volatile performance. Expect some inconsistencies in the early years, but don’t be discouraged if their numbers don’t always align with their potential early on.
2. What is the best way to train young pitchers?
Training is a big part of developing young pitchers in MLB The Show 26, but you should approach it carefully. Overloading a young player with training early on can hurt them in the long run. Focus on balancing between game experience and proper drills.
Target weak spots: Focus your drills on the areas that need the most improvement. For instance, if a pitcher has low control or a weak third pitch, those are areas you should work on early, as they’re critical for long-term success. You don’t need to make a pitcher a complete “all-around” player right away.
Stamina and composure: These are two of the most important attributes for young pitchers. Stamina helps with longer starts, while composure allows them to handle high-pressure situations. Early in their career, you may want to give them extra stamina training to keep them effective in later innings. Composure is key as well because it helps reduce the impact of poor performance in tight situations.
Velocity: Adding velocity to a pitcher’s repertoire is important, but it should be done gradually. Don’t rush it; instead, balance velocity training with other aspects of their game.
Pitching repertoire: Make sure you’re not neglecting pitch types. A well-rounded pitching arsenal can make a huge difference in the Show. Training to improve a pitcher’s curveball, slider, or change-up can give them more weapons to work with, allowing them to be more successful at the MLB level.
3. How does gameplay performance affect pitcher development?
In MLB The Show 26, how well your pitcher performs during actual games impacts their progression significantly. Good pitching performance in both simulated games and controlled games helps a player improve their stats.
In-game performance: Winning games, recording strikeouts, and minimizing walks are the most important factors that directly influence a pitcher’s progression. Make sure your pitcher is getting consistent innings, even if they aren’t always pitching the best. Focus on keeping their ERA under control and having quality starts whenever possible.
Pitch counts: Don’t overwork your pitcher. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to rack up wins, but consistently pushing your young pitcher too hard (over 100 pitches per game, for example) could stunt their growth or lead to injuries. Keeping pitch counts in check is important for maintaining their development speed.
Simulated games: If you’re not controlling the pitcher yourself, make sure to monitor their performances in simulated games. If your pitcher is struggling, you may need to make adjustments to their training or even their pitch selection to help them succeed.
4. How can I avoid stunting a young pitcher’s development?
Developing young pitchers takes time, and there are a few things to avoid in order to prevent hindering their growth:
Overuse: One of the most common mistakes players make is overusing their pitchers. In MLB The Show 26, if you pitch them too often or let them go too deep into games too early, it will wear them out and slow down their progression. Focus on giving young pitchers rest and space in between starts to ensure they develop properly.
Ignoring minor league play: Don’t skip over minor league development. Playing young pitchers in the minors before bringing them up to the big leagues can give them the experience they need without the pressure of major league games. It’s important to let them develop in a less stressful environment first, especially if they aren’t quite ready for the majors.
Setting too high expectations: Don’t expect your young pitchers to perform like seasoned veterans immediately. Young pitchers can be inconsistent, and it's a part of their development process. Let them grow into their roles, and be patient if their stats fluctuate.
Bad training choices: Don’t focus all of your training on one attribute. A young pitcher can’t develop a high ERA if they can’t throw strikes consistently, even if their velocity is through the roof. Be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses and make sure they’re improving in the right areas.
5. Should I spend MLB 26 stubs on developing pitchers?
MLB 26 stubs can be used for various purposes in the game, including upgrading player equipment or buying specific items to help with your team’s success. While stubs are helpful, they can also be used to boost the progression of your pitchers in a way that allows them to develop faster. But should you spend them on your young pitchers?
Investing in equipment: Using stubs to buy better training gear for your pitchers can speed up their development, allowing them to gain extra boosts to key stats. For example, purchasing a top-tier pitching glove or other equipment that improves their velocity, stamina, or control can make a noticeable difference.
Focus on long-term development: Be strategic when using stubs. While spending them to get a new piece of equipment for your pitchers might give them a temporary advantage, it’s best to invest in ways that benefit your team over the long term. Training resources are valuable, but don’t rush the process just for short-term gain.
If you want to speed up your pitcher’s development and maximize your potential, consider looking at MLB 26 stubs sale online. Keep an eye out for deals or discounts that allow you to spend wisely without overspending on unnecessary items.
Developing young pitchers in MLB The Show 26 is all about finding a balance between performance, training, and rest. Be patient with your pitchers, focus on training the right attributes, and make sure they get enough rest to avoid burnout. Performance on the mound plays a big role in progression, but don’t neglect the minor leagues and overall long-term development. With time and the right approach, your young pitchers will become key contributors to your team’s future success.