The third inning update for MLB The Show 25 has been released, and it brings a wealth of new content and improvements that showcase the franchise's commitment to mlb 25 stubs delivering an immersive and realistic baseball experience.
Introducing New Legends
This update introduces several new legends to the game, including Ted Williams, Roger Clemens, and Manny Ramirez. These additions not only enhance the game's roster but also provide players with the opportunity to experience the careers of some of baseball's greatest players. Moreover, the inclusion of Negro Leagues legends such as James “Cool Papa” Bell and Wilber “Bullet Joe” Rogan adds a rich layer of historical depth to the game.
Enhancing Gameplay Realism
Several gameplay adjustments have been made to improve realism and player experience. Pitchers in three-inning games must now face at least one batter, preventing players from exploiting the previous system. Fielding animations have been updated to allow for quicker throws, and the timing for tags at second base during steals has been adjusted for more realistic gameplay.These gameplay tweaks may seem subtle on paper, but for longtime players, they have a real impact. The quicker throw animations improve the fluidity of infield play and reduce those frustrating moments where your fielder just takes too long to release the ball. Meanwhile, the tag timing adjustments have made base stealing a more nuanced part of the game. You're now rewarded for properly timing your leads and jumps rather than just relying on raw speed.
Also worth noting is the addition of more realistic pitcher usage. In both Franchise Mode and standard games, the logic governing bullpen decisions has become smarter. Setup men and closers are finally being utilized the way they should be — not riding the bench while middle relievers pitch through the 8th and 9th. Long relievers are getting their time in blowout games or extra innings, and starting pitchers are no longer throwing unrealistic complete games every other outing. This is especially good news for simulation-heavy players who want their franchise playthroughs to reflect modern baseball strategy.
Franchise Mode Continues to Improve
Franchise players have a lot to be excited about beyond just bullpen logic. The substitution patterns have improved across the board, and AI decisions during both the regular season and playoffs make a lot more sense now. Relief pitchers no longer warm up endlessly without ever being used, and double switches are handled more intelligently. These are quality-of-life changes, yes, but they add up over the course of a 162-game season.
It’s clear that SDS (San Diego Studio) is committed to enhancing realism without sacrificing playability. For a mode that has often been left behind in favor of Diamond Dynasty, this update feels like a small but important win for Franchise fans.
Bug Fixes and Stability Gains
In terms of polish, this third inning update hits the mark. Several major crash bugs — particularly ones related to outfield hits causing freezes — have been addressed. There were also a few issues with base running logic that have been cleaned up, especially in tag-up situations where runners would act erratically. Texture glitches in certain stadiums like Citi Field and Laughing Mountain have also been corrected, which, while not game-breaking, definitely improves immersion for those who play with broadcast-style cameras.
The update even brings general performance improvements across platforms. Load times are faster, especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X, and matchmaking feels more consistent. There’s still room for refinement — some players are reporting minor hiccups in co-op modes — but the trend is clearly positive.
Final Thoughts
The third inning update in MLB The Show 25 doesn’t just drop new legends and call it a day. It’s a comprehensive update that improves gameplay mechanics, enhances realism in Franchise Mode, fixes longstanding bugs, and adds historical value with the addition of legends from both the Major Leagues and the Negro Leagues.
This kind of update shows that SDS is listening to its community and actively working to refine an already solid game. If they can keep this pace for future inning programs and updates, The Show 25 could end up being the most balanced and content-rich entry in the series to date.