In MLB The Show 25, the inclusion of submarine and sidearm pitchers reflects the evolving nature of pitching styles in baseball. These unconventional deliveries have become more prevalent in recent years, offering unique challenges and mlb stubsadvantages to pitchers and batters alike.

Historical Context

Submarine and sidearm pitching styles have a rich history in baseball. While less common in modern baseball, these deliveries have been employed by notable pitchers throughout history. Their resurgence in recent years highlights a shift towards diversifying pitching styles and strategies.

Impact on Gameplay

The inclusion of submarine and sidearm pitchers in MLB The Show 25 adds depth and variety to the game's pitching mechanics. Players can now experience the challenges and nuances associated with these unconventional deliveries, enhancing the realism and strategy within the game. These pitchers offer a valuable contrast to traditional overhand throwers, creating fresh dynamics in both online and offline modes.

For example, a user facing a fastball-heavy rotation may suddenly find themselves thrown off by the deceptively slow and sinking delivery of a pitcher like Tyler Rogers or Adam Cimber. The difference in timing can throw off even seasoned players, leading to poorly timed swings and frequent groundouts.

Player Strategy and Meta Usage

Within the meta of MLB The Show 25, sidearm and submarine pitchers are increasingly being used as specialty arms. They are rarely employed as starters but thrive as middle relievers or matchup-based bullpen pieces—especially in competitive formats such as Ranked Seasons or Events. Their effectiveness stems not only from pitch selection and delivery angle but also from the element of surprise. In many games, particularly online, using a sidearm pitcher after two or three innings of conventional fastball-slider-heavy pitching can radically disrupt an opponent's approach at the plate.

This shift in tempo is even more pronounced in late-game situations where pressure is high. A pitcher like Ryan Thompson, with his low sidearm delivery and tailing sinker-slider combo, becomes an extremely effective tool for inducing weak contact and ending rallies.

Animation and Visual Feedback in The Show

MLB The Show 25 excels at visually differentiating arm angles and pitching animations. The unique stances and motions of submarine and sidearm pitchers are captured in painstaking detail—from Rogers’ exaggerated low delivery to the smooth sidewind of Adam Ottavino. This level of authenticity does more than just add realism; it affects player perception and timing at the plate.

Hitters often rely on visual cues to determine pitch types and locations. When those cues change—due to a different release point or arm angle—it naturally introduces hesitation or misreading, especially for users unaccustomed to facing these styles. The result is often a measurable drop in offensive production during innings where a sidearm pitcher is on the mound.

Challenges of Using These Pitchers

However, these pitchers are not without their downsides. Submarine and sidearm throwers typically have lower velocity and may struggle with stamina and control. Their pitch repertoires often lack traditional power pitches like four-seam fastballs or high-velocity cutters. Additionally, their pitches tend to stay low in the zone, which—if not properly mixed—can make them predictable and easier to game-plan against.

In MLB The Show 25, a savvy opponent might exploit this by sitting on low off-speed pitches or by using contact-hitters who excel at getting their bat on the ball. Thus, the key to success with these pitchers lies in sequencing and pitch tunneling—changing locations and using eye-level effectively, even if the actual speed remains relatively low.

Conclusion

The evolution of submarine and sidearm pitching in MLB The Show 25 reflects both a nod to baseball’s rich tactical heritage and a response to the game’s ever-evolving meta. While not overpowering in the traditional sense, these pitchers can be game-changers in the right hands. They require finesse, timing, and a solid understanding of pitch sequencing, making them ideal for players who enjoy strategic, cerebral gameplay.

Whether you're looking to build a bullpen full of specialists or simply want to frustrate your opponents with a completely different visual look from the mound, embracing these unorthodox deliveries is a pathway to both success and fun in MLB The Show 25.