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Defending in MLB The Show 26 can feel tricky at first, especially for new players. The game gives you full control over fielders, but understanding positioning, reaction, and timing is key to avoiding mistakes. In this guide, we’ll go over common defensive questions and practical tips, based on how most players handle the field in general gameplay.

1. How Should I Position My Fielders?

One of the first things beginners struggle with is positioning. In general, fielder positioning is determined by the batter’s tendencies and the pitch being thrown.

Infielders: Most players find it helpful to shade in or out depending on the batter. Left-handed hitters often pull the ball to the right side of the infield, so adjusting your shortstop and second baseman slightly can make a big difference. In general, don’t overthink positioning too much at first—use the pre-set defensive shifts in the game and tweak them gradually.

Outfielders: Positioning outfielders depends on the batter’s power and speed. Usually, you want them deeper against power hitters to avoid extra-base hits, and closer for contact hitters. Most players leave the corners at a moderate depth and adjust the center fielder based on the hitter’s spray chart.

Situational awareness: In general, always consider the number of outs, runners on base, and where they’re running. Most beginners ignore this, but adjusting positioning slightly can save runs.

2. How Do I Improve Reaction Time?

Reacting quickly is crucial in MLB The Show 26. The game allows you to move players in real time, but beginners often struggle with timing.

Fielding grounders: Usually, holding the fielder in a slightly offset direction before the ball is hit helps. Most players get used to using analog movement to anticipate where the ball will go. Don’t wait for the ball to reach the fielder—start moving based on the hitter’s swing and angle of contact.

Catching fly balls: Timing is key. Most players find that pressing the catch button too early leads to drops, while pressing too late can make the fielder reach incorrectly. In general, practice reading the trajectory and speed of the ball in batting practice mode to build muscle memory.

Glove upgrades and perks: While not required for beginners, in general, using a player with better fielding ratings reduces mistakes, especially when learning reaction timing.

3. What’s the Best Way to Throw Accurately?

Throwing is another area where beginners make mistakes. In general, the best throws come from knowing where to aim and using the correct mechanic.

Infield throws: Most players aim slightly ahead of the base to give the runner less chance to reach it. Snap throws (using the throw button immediately after fielding) work well for quick plays at first base, but make sure you practice the timing to avoid errors.

Outfield throws: Usually, you want to hold the analog stick toward the target base before releasing the throw button. Most beginners aim directly at the base, but anticipating the runner’s path improves accuracy.

Double plays: Timing is critical. In general, it’s best to throw to the fielder covering the base first rather than rushing a throw to second. Most players find that practicing slow double play situations helps them get the sequence right.

4. Should I Use Manual or Assisted Fielding?

MLB The Show 26 allows for assisted or manual fielding. In general, beginners start with assisted fielding, but switching gradually to manual improves control.

Assisted fielding: The game helps move the fielder toward the ball automatically. Most beginners stick with this mode at first, as it reduces errors and helps learn positioning.

Manual fielding: Once you’re comfortable, switching to manual allows you to take control of throws and fielder positioning. In practice, most players start with assisted fielding for ground balls and gradually try manual for outfield catches or tricky situations.

Hybrid approach: Many players use assisted fielding for the infield and manual for the outfield. This gives more control where mistakes are more costly.

5. How Can I Reduce Errors?

Errors are common for new players. Most beginners misjudge balls or throw inaccurately. In general, reducing errors comes down to three things: positioning, timing, and anticipation.

Positioning: As mentioned, small adjustments to your fielder positions reduce the chances of bad hops or long-range plays. Most players focus on the batter’s tendencies first.

Timing: Don’t rush the throw. In general, taking a split second to line up a throw improves accuracy. Most errors happen when players panic and throw too early.

Practice: Use training modes. In general, repetition with grounders, fly balls, and double plays builds confidence and reduces errors over time.

6. What About Turning Double Plays?

Double plays can feel intimidating at first. In general, the key is knowing who covers which base and timing your throws correctly.

Infield setup: Usually, second base and shortstop handle the middle of the infield, with the second baseman covering second on a ground ball to the shortstop and vice versa. Most beginners forget which fielder should move, leading to late throws.

Throwing mechanics: Snap throws work for fast plays at first base. Most players practice throwing to the fielder covering second first, then quickly flipping to first. Timing the flip button is crucial to reduce errors.

Anticipate the hit: In general, watching the batter’s tendencies helps you position for double plays before the ball is even hit.

7. How Do Outfield Plays Work Best?

Outfield plays are different from infield plays because you often deal with long distances and fast runners. Most players struggle with reading the ball’s trajectory in general gameplay.

Reading fly balls: Watch the spin and angle of the ball. Usually, the ball will travel slightly differently depending on the bat type and pitch speed. Most beginners tend to run straight toward where the ball initially appears, which leads to late catches.

Throwing to bases: Anticipate the runner’s path. In general, aim slightly ahead of the base for cutoff throws. Most players underestimate how far a runner can go, resulting in missed outs.

Communication with infield: In multiplayer or CPU gameplay, be aware of which fielder is backing up which base. Most players ignore this and end up with collisions or bad throws.

8. How Important Are Fielder Ratings?

Player ratings affect defensive reliability. In general, higher fielding ratings help with reaction time and throw accuracy.

Glove rating: Improves the chance of catching difficult balls. Most beginners notice a difference immediately when switching to a player with a higher glove rating.

Arm strength: Critical for outfield throws. Usually, short outfielders with weak arms struggle to get runners out at home or third base.

Speed: Faster players can cover more ground. Most players find that speed makes a noticeable difference in chasing down hits to the gaps.

9. Should I Practice Fielding in Training Modes?

Yes. Most experienced players spend time in training before competitive play. In general, training modes allow you to focus on specific defensive scenarios like:

Ground balls to different infielders

Fly balls at varying distances

Double play sequences

Throwing accuracy drills

Practicing consistently will build muscle memory and reduce mistakes during real games.

10. Key Takeaways for Beginners

Position your fielders based on the batter and situation.

Start moving toward the ball slightly before contact for better reaction.

Don’t rush throws—take a moment to line up.

Begin with assisted fielding and gradually practice manual control.

Pay attention to double plays and outfield throw mechanics.

Higher fielding, arm, and speed ratings make a noticeable difference.

Consistent practice reduces errors and improves confidence.

Defensive play in MLB The Show 26 is mostly about anticipation, timing, and positioning. Most beginners improve quickly once they focus on these fundamentals and practice deliberately.

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