MLB The Show 23: Mastering Pickoffs

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 36 views

Hey guys! Getting good at pickoffs in MLB The Show 23 can seriously level up your game. It's not just about randomly tossing the ball to first; it's about strategy, reading the runner, and timing everything just right. In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to pick off runners, when to do it, and some pro tips to make you a pickoff master. So, let's dive in and turn those pesky base stealers into easy outs!

Understanding the Basics of Pickoffs

Alright, first things first, let's cover the basics. Pickoffs are all about preventing runners from stealing bases or getting too big of a lead. In MLB The Show 23, the controls are pretty intuitive, but mastering them takes practice. To attempt a pickoff, you'll typically use a button combination that involves pressing either the square, circle, triangle, or X button while also holding down the L2 or LT button (depending on your controller). Each button corresponds to a different base. So, if you want to try and nail the runner at first, you'd use the button associated with first base.

But here's the catch: it's not just about pressing buttons. You've got to pay attention to the runner. Is he taking a huge lead? Is he leaning towards second? These are all clues that can help you decide if a pickoff attempt is a good idea. Also, keep an eye on your pitcher's stats. Some pitchers are naturally better at pickoffs than others. Look for pitchers with high 'Pickoff' ratings – they'll have a better chance of fooling the runner and making a successful throw. Don't just blindly throw over; that can lead to errors or, worse, a balk, which advances the runner automatically. Timing is also super important. You want to catch the runner off guard, so mix up your timing. Sometimes, throw over right as he starts to lead off; other times, wait a few seconds to make him think you're not paying attention. The key is to keep the runner guessing!

Think of it like a chess match. You're trying to anticipate your opponent's moves and react accordingly. Successfully picking off a runner can completely kill the other team's momentum and give you a huge advantage. So, take the time to practice your pickoffs, learn the controls, and pay attention to the little details. Trust me, it'll make a big difference in your game!

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing a Pickoff

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to execute a pickoff in MLB The Show 23. Follow these steps, and you'll be picking off runners like a pro in no time!

Assess the Situation: Before you even think about throwing over, take a quick look at the runner on base. How big of a lead is he taking? Is he a known base stealer? What's the score and the inning? All of these factors should influence your decision to attempt a pickoff. If it's late in the game and the runner represents the tying run, you might be more inclined to try and pick him off, even if the risk is a bit higher.
Engage the Pickoff Controls: This is where you actually initiate the pickoff attempt. As mentioned earlier, you'll typically use a combination of the L2/LT button and one of the face buttons (square, circle, triangle, X) to throw to a specific base. Make sure you know which button corresponds to which base. A quick tip: Practice in the practice mode to get comfortable with the controls. There's nothing worse than accidentally throwing to the wrong base and letting the runner advance.
Vary Your Timing: Don't be predictable! If you always throw over at the same point in your windup, the runner will catch on and be ready for it. Mix up your timing by sometimes throwing over early and sometimes waiting a bit longer. You can even use the quick step to further disrupt the runner's timing. To do a quick step, simply tap the L2/LT button right before you throw. This will speed up your delivery and make it harder for the runner to anticipate the pickoff.
Watch the Runner's Reaction: After you throw over, pay close attention to the runner's reaction. Did he dive back into the base? Did he hesitate for a split second? These are all clues that can help you determine whether your pickoff attempt was successful. If the runner dives back, chances are you caught him off guard. If he hesitates, it might be a sign that he was expecting the pickoff. Use this information to adjust your strategy for the next time he's on base.
Follow Through with the Throw: Once you've decided to throw over, commit to the throw and aim carefully. Use the left stick to aim your throw, and try to put the ball right on the bag. A bad throw can result in an error, which will allow the runner to advance. Remember, accuracy is key! Especially if the runner has a big lead, a slightly inaccurate throw can be the difference between an out and a stolen base.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll become a master of the pickoff in MLB The Show 23. So, get out there and start frustrating those base stealers!

Advanced Pickoff Strategies

Alright, you've got the basics down. Now, let's crank things up a notch with some advanced pickoff strategies in MLB The Show 23. These tips and tricks will help you outsmart even the craftiest base runners!

Utilize the Quick Step: The quick step is your secret weapon. By tapping L2/LT right before you throw, you speed up your delivery and throw off the runner's timing. It’s especially effective against aggressive base stealers who are itching to take off. But don't overuse it, or they'll catch on. Mix it in with your regular deliveries to keep them guessing.
Pay Attention to Runner Tendencies: Some runners are more aggressive than others. Before you even think about a pickoff, watch the runner’s tendencies. Does he take a huge lead every time? Does he always try to steal on the first pitch? Use this knowledge to your advantage. If you know a runner is likely to steal, you can anticipate it and be ready to throw over. Conversely, if a runner is more cautious, you might want to hold off on the pickoff attempt.
Exploit Left-Handed Pitchers: Lefties have a natural advantage when it comes to pickoffs at first base because they can see the runner more easily. If you have a left-handed pitcher on the mound, take full advantage of his pickoff ability. Lefties can often get away with throwing over more often because they can keep a closer eye on the runner. Just be careful not to become too predictable, even with a lefty.
Consider the Game Situation: The game situation should always factor into your pickoff strategy. If you're leading by a lot in the late innings, you might not want to risk throwing over, as a balk or an error could give the other team some momentum. On the other hand, if it's a close game and the runner represents the tying run, you might be more willing to take the risk. Always weigh the potential rewards against the potential risks before attempting a pickoff.
Mix Up Your Looks: Don't just stare at the runner the whole time. Vary your looks by glancing at the plate, then quickly snapping back to the runner. This will make it harder for him to anticipate your pickoff attempt. You can even try looking at the runner, then shaking your head as if you're not going to throw over, only to suddenly fire the ball to the base. This can be a great way to catch the runner off guard.

Mastering these advanced strategies will not only improve your pickoff game but also give you a psychological edge over your opponents. So, get out there, experiment with these techniques, and start dominating on the basepaths!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody's perfect, and even the best MLB The Show 23 players make mistakes. When it comes to pickoffs, there are a few common pitfalls that you'll want to avoid. By being aware of these mistakes, you can significantly improve your pickoff game and prevent costly errors.

Overusing Pickoffs: While pickoffs can be a valuable tool, it's important not to overuse them. If you throw over too often, the runner will become more cautious and less likely to take a big lead. Additionally, the umpire might start to suspect that you're stalling, which could lead to warnings or even penalties. Use pickoffs strategically, not just for the sake of throwing over.
Ignoring Pitcher Stamina: Throwing over to first base can be tiring for your pitcher, especially if you're doing it frequently. Keep an eye on your pitcher's stamina, and don't wear him out by throwing over too much. A tired pitcher is more likely to make mistakes, including throwing inaccurate pickoffs. If your pitcher's stamina is getting low, consider replacing him or reducing your pickoff attempts.
Failing to Consider the Score: As mentioned earlier, the score and game situation should always factor into your pickoff strategy. If you're trailing by a lot, you might want to focus on getting outs and scoring runs, rather than trying to pick off runners. On the other hand, if you're leading by a lot, you might be more willing to take the risk of throwing over, even if it means potentially allowing the runner to advance.
Being Predictable: Predictability is the enemy of a successful pickoff. If you always throw over at the same point in your windup, the runner will catch on and be ready for it. Mix up your timing, use the quick step, and vary your looks to keep the runner guessing. The more unpredictable you are, the more likely you are to catch the runner off guard.
Ignoring the Runner's Speed: Not all runners are created equal. Some runners are incredibly fast and aggressive, while others are more cautious and deliberate. Before you attempt a pickoff, consider the runner's speed and base-stealing ability. If you're dealing with a speedy runner, you might want to be more careful about throwing over, as he's more likely to steal a base if you make a mistake. On the other hand, if you're dealing with a slower runner, you might be more willing to take the risk.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickoff master in MLB The Show 23. So, stay focused, stay unpredictable, and keep those runners on their toes!

Drills and Practice for Pickoff Mastery

Practice makes perfect, right? To really become a pickoff pro in MLB The Show 23, you need to put in the time and effort to hone your skills. Here are some drills and practice techniques to help you master the art of the pickoff.

Practice Mode Drills: The practice mode in MLB The Show 23 is your best friend. Use it to experiment with different pickoff techniques and timings. Set up scenarios with runners on base and practice throwing over to first, second, and third. Pay attention to the runner's reactions and adjust your strategy accordingly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the controls and the timing.
Situational Practice: Don't just practice pickoffs in a vacuum. Create realistic game situations and practice your pickoffs in those scenarios. For example, set up a situation where you're leading by one run in the bottom of the ninth, with a runner on first representing the tying run. Practice your pickoffs in this high-pressure situation to prepare yourself for real games. The more you practice in realistic scenarios, the better you'll be able to handle the pressure when it matters most.
Focus on Timing: Timing is crucial when it comes to pickoffs. Practice varying your timing to keep the runner guessing. Try throwing over at different points in your windup, and experiment with the quick step to speed up your delivery. Pay attention to the runner's reaction and adjust your timing accordingly. The more you practice your timing, the more unpredictable you'll become.
Study Runner Tendencies: Before you even start practicing your pickoffs, take the time to study runner tendencies. Watch how runners lead off and try to anticipate their movements. Pay attention to which runners are more aggressive and which ones are more cautious. Use this knowledge to inform your pickoff strategy. The more you know about the runners you're facing, the better prepared you'll be to pick them off.
Record and Review: Record your practice sessions and review them later to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your timing, accuracy, and decision-making. Look for patterns in your mistakes and work on correcting them. The more you analyze your practice sessions, the faster you'll improve.

By incorporating these drills and practice techniques into your routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickoff master in MLB The Show 23. So, get out there, put in the work, and start frustrating those base stealers!

With these tips and strategies, you'll be well-equipped to dominate the basepaths in MLB The Show 23. Happy gaming, and remember to keep practicing!