MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a brand-new Road to the Show experience. This mode lets you live the dream of becoming a major league player, but a crucial decision awaits: college or the pros? This guide helps you navigate this pivotal choice.
Unlike previous iterations, MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show starts you as a high schooler facing a life-altering decision. Major colleges and MLB teams are scouting you, but you can only choose one path. The decision point arrives after your high school season, win or lose, with scouts present to discuss your future. Between games, you'll learn more about your options, including the teams interested in drafting you. Your performance in high school and the MLB Combine directly impacts your draft stock and the number of college recruiters.
After the Combine, you commit to a college (or go pro). Even if you choose college, a team will draft you. MLB The Show 25 clearly outlines the pros and cons:
Going Pro:
- Receive a signing bonus of 5 Tokens.
- Reduced chance of fast-tracking to the Major Leagues.
- Begin your pro career as an 18-year-old.
Going to College:
- Receive all benefits of the college's offer (e.g., LSU).
- Increased chance of becoming the #1 overall draft pick in a future MLB Draft.
- Begin your pro career as a 21-year-old after completing your college career.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you've spent countless seasons in the minor leagues in previous games, college might be a refreshing change. Becoming the #1 overall pick is a significant achievement, offering a different, more developed player experience. However, the grind of working your way up from the bottom might be more appealing to others.
In our experience, choosing college offered the best of both worlds. The game fast-forwards to your third year, culminating in a championship run, minimizing the time spent away from professional baseball while maximizing the potential for a higher draft position.
So, there you have it—a guide to choosing between college and the pros in MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show. For more tips and tricks, check out our guide on the best pitching settings.
MLB The Show 25 is now available in Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
