“MLB The Show 23” by San Diego Studio is one of the most realistic baseball simulations ever made. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to understand batting timing or a seasoned veteran aiming to master Diamond Dynasty, this guide breaks down everything you need to win — from hitting and pitching mechanics to building your player in Road to the Show (RTTS).
1. Getting Started – Understanding MLB The Show 23 Modes
Before diving into gameplay mechanics, it’s important to understand the main modes of MLB The Show 23:
- Road to the Show (RTTS) – Create your own player and take them from the Minor Leagues to MLB stardom.
- Diamond Dynasty – Build your dream team by collecting cards, competing online, and earning rewards.
- Franchise Mode – Manage your favorite MLB team, make trades, and lead them to a World Series championship.
- March to October – Experience key moments throughout an MLB season to lead your team to the postseason.
- Exhibition / Online Play – Quick matches against AI or human opponents.
If you’re just starting out, Road to the Show is the best entry point. It allows you to learn all aspects of the game at your own pace while improving your created player.
2. MLB The Show 23 Batting Guide – How to Hit More Home Runs
Hitting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding mechanics in MLB The Show 23. To succeed at the plate, you need to understand timing, pitch recognition, and swing control.
2.1 Choose the Right Hitting Interface
There are three main hitting interfaces in MLB The Show 23:
- Directional Hitting – Simple, perfect for beginners.
- Zone Hitting – Offers more precision by allowing you to control the Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI).
- Pure Analog – Uses the right stick for timing and power control.
If you want to hit consistent home runs, use Zone Hitting with PCI feedback turned on. It helps you track pitch location and improve accuracy.
2.2 Timing Is Everything
Practice recognizing pitch types (fastball, slider, curveball). The key to success is:
- Swing early for fastballs.
- Wait slightly longer for off-speed pitches.
- Use batting practice mode to train your eye and timing.
2.3 Use Contact and Power Swings Wisely
- Contact Swing (O/B) – Use when behind in the count or with two strikes.
- Normal Swing (X/A) – Ideal for most situations.
- Power Swing (Square/X) – Use with high-power hitters when expecting a fastball.
2.4 Track Pitch Patterns
AI and online opponents often fall into predictable patterns. Study their tendencies:
- If they throw a fastball after a breaking ball, time your swing for a power hit.
- Watch for repetitive low and away pitches; adjust PCI accordingly.
2.5 Advanced Hitting Tips
- Increase your batting success with custom camera angles like “Strike Zone 2” or “Zoom.”
- Focus on PCI placement and avoid overcorrecting your aim.
- Upgrade hitting attributes in Road to the Show to improve vision, contact, and power.
3. MLB The Show 23 Pitching Guide – Control the Mound
Pitching requires precision, strategy, and stamina management. A well-placed pitch can make the difference between a shutout and a loss.
3.1 Select Your Pitching Interface
The game offers several pitching options:
- Meter Pitching – Great for beginners; focuses on timing.
- Pulse Pitching – Simplified but less accurate.
- Pinpoint Pitching – The most advanced and precise system, perfect for competitive play.
If you aim for competitive ranked games, learn Pinpoint Pitching. It mirrors real pitching mechanics and offers maximum control.
3.2 Mix Up Your Pitches
Avoid being predictable. Use combinations like:
- Fastball + Changeup to disrupt timing.
- Slider + Curveball to break hitters’ confidence.
- Sinker + Cutter to induce groundouts.
3.3 Manage Stamina and Bullpen
Don’t leave starters in too long. As fatigue sets in, velocity drops and control worsens.
- Warm up bullpen pitchers early (around the 6th inning).
- Use matchup logic — righty vs righty, lefty vs lefty — for key outs.
3.4 Strike Zone Strategy
Always pitch to your strengths:
- With two strikes, throw high fastballs or breaking balls outside the zone.
- Get ahead early with first-pitch strikes.
4. Fielding and Baserunning Tips
Even with great pitching and hitting, poor fielding can cost you games.
4.1 Fielding Mechanics
- Always anticipate where the ball will land.
- Use preload throws by holding the base button before catching the ball.
- Turn on throwing accuracy meter for precise control.
4.2 Catching Fly Balls
Position your fielder under the ball indicator circle. The smaller the circle, the closer you are to a perfect catch. Don’t overrun the spot — subtle movement helps.
4.3 Baserunning
Learn manual baserunning controls:
- L1/LB to advance all runners.
- L2/LT to retreat all.
- Select individual runners with L-stick + base button for smart plays. Try stealing bases when facing pitchers with slow delivery or low “Pickoff” ratings.
5. Road to the Show (RTTS) – Player Progression and Training
5.1 Create Your Player
When starting RTTS:
- Choose a primary position wisely (Pitcher, Infielder, Outfielder).
- Balance Contact, Power, and Fielding based on playstyle.
- Link your account to Ballplayer Hub for multi-mode progression.
5.2 Equipment & Perks
Equip bats, gloves, and cleats with stat boosts. Legendary gear increases bat speed or reaction time.
- Use perks like Power I or Contact II for targeted growth.
5.3 Training and Skill Upgrades
Play all training mini-games — batting cage, bullpen, and fielding drills.
- Focus on upgrading core attributes (e.g., Contact, Plate Vision, Velocity).
- Complete dynamic challenges during games for extra XP.
5.4 Progressing to the Majors
To reach MLB quickly:
- Keep batting average above .300.
- Maintain defensive consistency.
- Engage with coaches and make smart dialogue choices to boost relationships.
6. Diamond Dynasty – Build a Dream Team
This is MLB The Show 23’s most competitive and rewarding mode.
6.1 Team Building
Start with your Starter Squad, then:
- Complete Moments and Conquest maps for card rewards.
- Participate in Events to earn packs and stubs.
- Exchange duplicate cards in Collections for higher-tier rewards.
6.2 Earning Stubs (In-Game Currency)
- Sell duplicate cards on the Marketplace.
- Complete Daily Moments and Programs.
- Avoid wasting stubs on early packs; invest in core players first.
6.3 Ranked Seasons Tips
- Balance your lineup between contact hitters and power sluggers.
- Rotate pitchers to prevent stamina depletion.
- Learn meta players — those with high attributes and clutch performance ratings.
7. Advanced Tips & Hidden Features
- Use Custom Practice Mode to master pitch recognition and timing.
- Adjust PCI sensitivity for smoother control.
- Dynamic Difficulty can help you gradually improve without frustration.
- Online Co-Op Play – Build chemistry with teammates for strategic wins.
8. Common Mistakes New Players Make
- Swinging at every pitch – Learn plate discipline.
- Ignoring defense – Fielding mistakes can decide close games.
- Not managing bullpen – Overusing starters hurts long-term success.
- Skipping training in RTTS – Slows player progression.
- Ignoring PCI feedback – It’s essential for improving hitting accuracy.
9. Best Camera and Settings for MLB The Show 23
Hitting View:
- Strike Zone 2 or Strike Zone High – Keeps the ball clear and close.
Pitching View:
- Pitcher or Broadcast – Offers the best field vision.
Fielding View:
- Medium or High – Makes judging fly balls easier.
Turn Off:
- Presentation replays and unnecessary animations for smoother gameplay.
10. Final Winning Strategy
To become a true champion in MLB The Show 23, combine all aspects:
- Train daily in batting practice.
- Study opponents’ tendencies in online ranked matches.
- Keep your team chemistry high in Diamond Dynasty.
- Maintain consistent pitching rhythm and batting timing.
Remember, patience and discipline are as important as reflexes. Baseball is a game of strategy — and MLB The Show 23 rewards those who study the details.
Conclusion
This MLB The Show 23 full guide covers every mechanic you need to master — from hitting home runs and pinpoint pitching to Road to the Show progression and Diamond Dynasty team building.
Whether you play casually or competitively, apply these strategies to win more games, level up faster, and enjoy the most authentic baseball experience available on console and PC.
