MLB The Show 25: Franchise Mode Changes & New Features Explained

MLB The Show 25 is making its Franchise mode a lot more realistic. This year, the developers have made big changes to the offseason, turning it into a strategic challenge rather than just clicking through menus. You won’t just sign free agents based on stats; now, you’ll need to consider what players want, market trends, and the risk of spending too much money. When competing with other teams for players, time becomes very important.

It’s not just about building a team; it's about navigating discussions and making tough decisions that will impact your team's future. MLB The Show 25 may be taking inspiration from College Football 25, but it's also learning from real-life trades and business. This adds a new level of challenge and realism to the general manager role in the game, which is very welcome.

All New Features In MLB The Show 25

Fresh Gameplay Mechanics In MLB The Show

MLB The Show 25 has made major updates to its Franchise and March to October modes, focusing on making the game feel more realistic and strategic. One of the biggest changes is the revamped offseason experience, which goes beyond just what players do on the field. It now also involves more details about managing a team from the front office.

MLB The Show 25 player about to swing bat at incoming pitch

When Does MLB The Show 25 Early Access Begin?

Early Access for MLB The Show 25 will let certain players get into the game four days ahead of time, but only if they meet the right requirements.

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The new free agency system is a key feature, using an improved logic engine that doesn’t just look at player stats but also considers what drives players and how the market works. Big-name free agents play a central role in the offseason, and their signings can set off a chain reaction that affects other negotiations. Teams need to be careful with their offers to avoid upsetting potential signings or letting them slip away to rivals.

A new feature called the Big Board gives general managers a clear view of available free agents, helping them prioritize who to go after based on team needs and fit. Players' decisions on where to sign can now be influenced by factors like the quality of the team, competition for their position, and how well their skills match. Free agents can also reach out to teams, creating unexpected chances to sign players who are eager to join.

Contract negotiations are now more realistic, reflecting real-world salary expectations and limits. Salary figures for arbitration are also more accurate, showing what players are worth. If teams and players disagree, they can go to arbitration to settle salary disputes. Trading players has also improved, with better logic and smarter tools for decision-making, allowing teams to strengthen their rosters more effectively. In addition to getting players, though, teams also need to manage their resources wisely and understand the costs of trades.

The game also features new franchise intros that have been redesigned for better flow, including interesting stories, game match-ups, minor league updates, and highlights like Rookie of the Year candidates. Finally, the commentary team has been improved with the return of John Sciambi and Chris Singleton, along with new public address announcers to add variety.

Trading & Free Agents Are Way More Realistic

Revamped Trading And Free Agency System

MLB The Show 25 A contract opportunity being shown to the player. — MLB The Show 25 A contract opportunity being shown to the player

MLB The Show 25 makes its franchise mode feel much more realistic, especially regarding free agency and trades. The new free agency system goes beyond just looking at player stats; it takes into account what players want. The top free agents help set the market, affecting how other players are signed afterward.

Teams that move quickly can secure good players, but making lowball offers can scare them away. The introduction of the Big Board which visually shows available free agents and how well they'd fit with your team, adds a strategic element. You need to prioritize who you want, time your offers carefully, and manage relationships to succeed.

MLB The Show 25 Diamond Dynasty Changes Explained

MLB The Show 25 is making a number of changes and improvements to the series staple Diamond Dynasty mode with new ways to play and earn rewards.

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A free agent's interest in joining a team depends on factors like team quality, how many players play their position, and how well their skills match the team's needs. If you wait too long, another team might sign the player, but if you offer too early, the player might not be interested enough. The game even simulates mystery teams making last-minute offers or players getting a second chance. This is the kind of thing that makes and breaks franchises.

This kind of update feels like a game-seller on its own, but adding this to the improvements to Road To The Show and the new first-person mode makes me wonder how they got all of it done in a year. More than one mode has been given significant changes, and while I don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth, it’s pretty astonishing to see.

Trades have also changed significantly. The new logic helps players make better decisions and provides more ways to grow their franchises. It’s not just about acquiring new players but also about recognizing what you might miss out on. The game acknowledges budget and resource limits and will warn players about overspending. This focus on realistic financial limits adds a lot of immersion toMLB The Show 25, and it’s exactly what the game needed.

Source: Sony San Diego/YouTube