Mastering pitching in MLB The Show 25 is about more than just selecting the best pitcher on the mound — it’s about leveraging smart formations, changing pitch sequences, and keeping hitters guessing. With new animations, refined ball physics, and improved AI reactions this year, the margin for error has narrowed. In this guide, we’ll break down 20 pitching formations that can help you dominate opponents in every game mode, whether you're climbing ranked seasons or grinding through Conquest.

This article also shares strategies that can stretch your budget if you're looking to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs or searching for cheap MLB The Show 25 stubs from platforms like U4N — though you won’t need a stacked roster if you can outpitch your opponents.

1. Classic Fastball-Tunnel Setup (4-Seam + Slider)

A tried-and-true combo that works best when alternating the top and bottom of the strike zone. Establish the fastball first, then slide one in low and away.

2. Sinker-Cutter Blend

This works beautifully with pitchers like Logan Webb or Corbin Burnes. Sinkers jam the inside, while cutters run away just enough to induce weak contact.

3. North-South Formations (High Heat + Splitter Low)

A vertical combo that disrupts timing. Use the four-seamer up to change eye levels, then bury a splitter or changeup for the punch-out.

4. Circle Change + Two-Seamer Attack

Start the circle change early in the count to mess with batters' timing, then finish them off with a sneaky two-seamer that runs arm-side.

5. Backdoor Slider Setup

This works best with right-handed pitchers vs left-handed hitters. Set up inside, then break a slider just over the outside corner.

6. Cutter-In Sinker-Out Strategy

Throw the cutter in on the hands, then bait them with a sinker low and outside. This combination is tough to barrel up, especially on Legend difficulty.

7. Tunneling with Slurve and Fastball

A fastball inside followed by a slurve that follows the same path but breaks away late is a devastating visual combo.

8. Double Up on High Fastballs

Sometimes, you can break rhythm by doubling up on high heat — just make sure the second one touches a different corner.

9. Splitter Sandwich (Fastball - Splitter - Fastball)

Perfect for low-control pitchers. Hit them with heat, pull the string, then come back with another fastball to challenge the barrel.

10. First-Pitch Off-Speed Trap

Especially useful in Diamond Dynasty. Many players sit fastball early. Throwing a first-pitch curveball or changeup can earn easy strikes.

11. Slider-Curve Combo

Sliders break laterally, while curves dip vertically. When used back-to-back, they leave hitters completely off balance.

12. 2-Seamer + Cutter Sequence

Ideal against same-handed batters. The two-seamer moves in, and the cutter breaks away. Paint the corners for a frustrating at-bat.

13. Up and In, Down and Away Pattern

Old-school, but still effective. Jam hitters up and in, then get them reaching on breaking balls away.

14. Curveball First, Fastball Finish

Lead with an early curveball to get ahead, then surprise the batter with a high-velocity four-seamer for the strikeout.

15. Lefty-Legends Low Cutter Sequence

Left-handed pitchers with strong cutters like Chris Sale can dominate by running the cutter inside on righties all game long.

16. Sidearm Specialist Mix

For relievers with sidearm or submarine motion, use horizontal movement to paint edges and mess with depth perception.

17. Fastball-Forkball Combo

Rare but lethal. Start with a rising fastball, then follow with a diving forkball. This is particularly effective late in games.

18. Low-Confidence Pitch Surprise

Every now and then, throw a pitch that has low confidence just to reset the mind game. It’s risky, but effective when executed properly.

19. Pitch-Outs in Ranked Seasons

Smart players steal often in MLB The Show 25. Mix in pitch-outs when runners are on and you sense a jump. It keeps them honest.

20. Off-Meta Pitch Usage

If your pitcher has an odd pitch — like a screwball or ephus — use it sparingly to change the pace. It may throw off a locked-in opponent.

Pitching is as much about psychology as it is mechanics in MLB The Show 25. By mixing up sequences, changing eye levels, and utilizing the strengths of your pitchers, you can shut down even the best Diamond Dynasty lineups. If you’re planning to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs or are on the hunt for cheap MLB The Show 25 stubs, U4N is often mentioned among players as a go-to source — just make sure to invest wisely in pitchers that suit your preferred formation style.

Don’t underestimate the power of strategy. Even with a modest team, smart formations can keep you competitive in any game mode.