Good fielding saves runs, prevents errors, and wins games in MLB The Show 21.
It isn’t just catching balls to record outs or picking one up off the dirt to throw to first base. Fielding requires precise movement and a keen eye. You need to know how to play defense if you want to keep games competitive.
Learn these five fielding tips to stop the other team from crossing home plate.
Timing is everything
Time your movement to make plays happen in a variety of situations on the field. Successful dives, jumps, and charges are essential to shut down your opponent’s offense. A few seconds is the difference between an extra out or run. Play more games with your favorite team to get a feel for the perfect timing. Remember some outfielders might have to dive for balls that others can easily catch.
People don’t often talk about practice in the field, but it’s just as integral to success as practice at the plate. Retire the side enough times and you’ll intuitively know when to hit which button.
Always center the fielder
MLB The Show 21 can be ruthless to players who make small mistakes. Never assume the AI will handle the play. Take control for more consistent plays.
Center your fielder in the middle of the ball indicator regardless of the situation. Even just an inch off on pop ups or ground balls increases the chance of errors. The worst loss in any game is a preventable one. Reduce your stress so you can focus on tougher challenges like hitting and pitching.
Throw to the cut-off man
The cut-off man is a teammate that stands between you and a base. The position changes depending on the baserunners. For example, the cut-off man will stand in front of second base when someone hits a double or line up with home plate if the runner is in scoring position. Balls thrown straight home from deep in center field, might slowly roll to the catcher. The cut-off man acts as a fresh arm for quick deliveries.
You need to understand your fielders’ arm strengths to gun out greedy runners. Test each outfielder from different distances to determine when specific players should throw to the cut-off man or certain bases. That split second decision will make other teams think twice before heading home.
Dive sparingly and smart
Missed dives are disastrous. Everyone likes to make fancy plays that could end up on Sportscenter, but they aren’t always the best choice. Only dive when you are 100% positive you’ll catch the ball or if the win relies on getting that out.
Playing it safe without a dive might mean a double, while a missed dive could turn that double into an inside-the-park homerun. Practice dives outside of ranked matches. Nail the reach and timing across different types of fly balls to excel in serious games. Nothing feels better in baseball than saving a no hitter with a dive, but nothing feels worse than giving up the lead because you didn’t pull it off.
Go for the sure out
Just like diving, turning double and triple plays are some of the most satisfying parts of fielding. Unfortunately, they aren’t always guaranteed. If there’s any concern whether or not you’ll get two outs, go for the sure one.
Throw the ball to first base and call it a play. Don’t force the ball to second too late. The runner might slide in safely only for the throw to first to come in late, too. Trust your pitching abilities to get the next out rather than building pressure through extra runners on base. The more games you play, the more you’ll intuitively know when an out is guaranteed.
Now that you can put the ball in play, strike out the side, and save some runs, you’re ready to take the field for any challenge.