Top MLB Pitchers In The Show 23: Your Ultimate Guide

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey baseball fans! Are you ready to dominate the mound in MLB The Show 23? Selecting the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 is crucial for success, whether you're battling it out in Diamond Dynasty, conquering Franchise mode, or just enjoying a casual game with friends. This guide will break down some of the top starting pitchers (SPs) and relievers (RPs) you should be targeting, highlighting their strengths, and giving you the edge you need to strike out the competition. Let's dive in and get you equipped with the knowledge to build a pitching staff that will make your opponents tremble!

Understanding Pitcher Attributes in MLB The Show 23

Before we jump into specific players, let's quickly review the key attributes that make a pitcher elite in MLB The Show 23. Understanding these stats will help you assess and choose the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 for your team. Here’s a breakdown:

  • H/9 (Hits per 9 Innings): This stat measures how many hits a pitcher allows on average per nine innings pitched. A lower number is always better, indicating the pitcher is tougher to hit. Consider it the pitcher's ability to prevent base hits.
  • K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 Innings): This is a critical one! It tells you how many strikeouts a pitcher averages per nine innings. High K/9 pitchers are gold because they can dominate at-bats and get you out of tight spots. They are great candidates for the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • BB/9 (Walks per 9 Innings): Nobody likes free passes. This stat indicates how many walks a pitcher allows per nine innings. Lower BB/9 means better control, which reduces the chances of allowing runners on base. Control is key to being one of the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • HR/9 (Home Runs per 9 Innings): This shows how many home runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings. A low number is vital, as home runs can quickly change the course of a game. A high HR/9 can mean you may not be able to rely on a pitcher, even if they have impressive strikeouts. This stat will affect which are the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • Stuff: This attribute reflects a pitcher's raw ability to make the ball move. Higher stuff ratings usually mean better velocity and movement on pitches, making them harder to hit. This is important to determine which are the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • Control: This is all about precision. Good control leads to fewer walks and allows pitchers to locate their pitches effectively. Pitchers with excellent control are often the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • Velocity: The speed at which a pitcher throws the ball. While not the only factor, higher velocity can make pitches harder to hit. This stat will influence your choice of the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
  • Break: This refers to the amount of movement on a pitcher's breaking balls. High break ratings mean pitches will move more, which can fool hitters and lead to more strikeouts. Consider how this impacts the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.

Keep these attributes in mind as you assess different pitchers. Now, let’s get to the fun part: identifying some of the top arms you should be looking to acquire.

Top Starting Pitchers (SPs) to Target

Finding the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 starts with building a strong rotation. Here are some of the SPs who could be game-changers for your team, based on their performance and attributes in the game. Remember, these are based on initial ratings and can change with roster updates, so keep an eye on those:

  • The Aces: These are your elite-level starters, guys with high ratings across the board. They're capable of dominating any lineup. In MLB The Show 23, look out for pitchers with high K/9, low BB/9, and strong stuff. These are the guys you want to build around. Consider the overall pitch arsenal, velocity, and control. The top tier of SPs is often expensive in Diamond Dynasty, but well worth the investment. Having one or two of these guys will drastically improve your chances of winning.

    • Max Scherzer: Even though he's aged, Scherzer is still a force to be reckoned with. His pitch mix and deception are top-notch.
    • Jacob deGrom: The king of strikeouts. When healthy, deGrom is one of the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23. His velocity and nasty breaking pitches can make hitters look foolish.
    • Gerrit Cole: Another top-tier pitcher with great stuff and the ability to go deep into games. Cole's high K/9 and good control make him a fantastic option for any team.

  • Mid-Rotation Mainstays: These pitchers may not be aces, but they are reliable, capable of giving you quality starts and keeping your team in the game. They usually have a good mix of pitches and decent control.

    • Zack Wheeler: A solid option with excellent stuff and a good K/9. His stamina allows him to pitch deep into games.
    • Aaron Nola: Known for his excellent command and ability to change speeds. Nola is a very valuable asset to your team, making him one of the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.
    • Yu Darvish: A veteran pitcher with a wide array of pitches, keeping hitters off-balance. His unique style makes him a formidable opponent.

  • Budget-Friendly Gems: You don't always need to spend big to find effective pitchers. There are often diamonds in the rough with good attributes that can be acquired for less. These pitchers might have one or two standout pitches or stats that make them effective. They may not be the flashiest, but these pitchers can save your budget and give you wins.

    • Framber Valdez: A groundball specialist with good control and a nasty sinker. He's very effective at keeping the ball in the park.
    • Shane Bieber: Even after some injury issues, Bieber's command and pitch mix are still very good.
    • Logan Webb: A great option for those looking to save stubs. He offers excellent control and good movement on his pitches.

Dominating Relievers (RPs) and Closers

Having a strong bullpen is essential for closing out games and securing victories. The best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 for the bullpen will have high velocity, nasty breaking balls, and strong closing abilities. Here are some of the top relievers and closers to consider:

  • Elite Closers: These are your go-to guys in the 9th inning, with the ability to shut down opponents. They'll have a high H/9, K/9, and usually a signature pitch that hitters struggle with.

    • Josh Hader: A dominant closer with a high-velocity fastball and a slider that will leave hitters spinning.
    • Emmanuel Clase: Known for his cutter, Clase’s stuff and control are great for securing saves.
    • Edwin Díaz: The Mets closer is renowned for his electric stuff and ability to rack up strikeouts. His entrance music alone can intimidate the opponents.

  • Setup Men: These are your bridge to the closer, typically pitching the 7th and 8th innings. Look for relievers with high K/9, good control, and a mix of pitches.

    • Ryan Pressly: A reliable setup man with good velocity and a solid breaking ball.
    • Devin Williams: Known for his devastating airbender (changeup), Williams is great at keeping hitters off balance.
    • Félix Bautista: Armed with a high-velocity fastball and a splitter, Bautista can shut down opposing lineups quickly.

  • Middle Relievers and LOOGYs (Lefty One-Out Guys): Useful for getting outs against specific hitters. Focus on pitchers with good splits against the same-handed hitters.

    • Brooks Raley: A solid left-handed specialist who can get key outs against left-handed hitters.
    • José Alvarado: A hard-throwing lefty with a devastating slider who can be a threat to any hitter.
    • Tommy Kahnle: A versatile reliever with a fastball-slider combination.

Optimizing Your Pitching Staff

Building the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 pitching staff is not just about individual talent; it's also about how well those pitchers complement each other. Consider these tips:

  • Balance Your Rotation: Don't overload your rotation with pitchers who throw the same type of pitches. Having a mix of different arm slots, velocities, and pitch arsenals will keep hitters off balance.
  • Matchups: Use your bullpen strategically. Bring in relievers who match up well against the opposing hitters. If the opponent has a lefty power hitter, bring in a right-handed pitcher, and vice-versa.
  • Stamina: Make sure your starting pitchers have good stamina so they can go deep into games, saving your bullpen for late-game situations.
  • Pitching Styles: Experiment with different pitching styles to find what works best for you. Some players prefer to pound the zone, while others focus on nibbling around the edges.
  • Roster Updates: MLB The Show 23 regularly updates its rosters based on real-world player performance. Pay attention to these updates, as they can significantly impact player ratings and make new players some of the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.

How to Acquire the Best Pitchers

  • Diamond Dynasty: In Diamond Dynasty, you can acquire players through various methods.

    • Packs: Packs offer a chance to pull high-rated players, but the odds can be unpredictable.
    • The Marketplace: The marketplace allows you to buy and sell players using Stubs (in-game currency).
    • Conquest and Events: Completing these game modes often rewards you with packs and sometimes specific players.
    • Programs: Programs offer a structured way to earn rewards, including player cards, by completing in-game challenges.

  • Franchise Mode:

    • Trades: Trade for players using other players or prospects.
    • Free Agency: Sign free agents to fill holes in your roster.
    • Draft: Draft prospects from the amateur draft to build your team's future.

  • Road to the Show: This mode allows you to create your player and work your way through the minor and major leagues. To improve as a pitcher, make sure to upgrade your attributes. You can choose to be the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23.

Conclusion: Building Your Pitching Dynasty

Choosing the best pitchers in MLB The Show 23 is a continuous process. By understanding player attributes, considering various pitching styles, and staying up-to-date with roster changes, you can create a pitching staff that dominates the league. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, use these tips and build your perfect team. Good luck out there, and happy pitching!