In MLB The Show 25, having a strong bullpen isn’t just about collecting the highest-rated relievers. Late-game pressure demands strategic thinking, timely substitutions, and knowing your pitchers’ tendencies. Whether you're grinding Ranked Seasons or managing your Franchise team, these ten fast methods can instantly improve your bullpen effectiveness and keep you in control of close games.

1. Use Matchups to Your Advantage

Always consider lefty-righty matchups when making bullpen moves. Many hitters in MLB The Show 25 still struggle against same-handed pitchers. Rotate your bullpen options to exploit weaknesses in your opponent’s lineup, especially in the 7th inning and beyond.

2. Warm Up Early

One of the most common mistakes new players make is forgetting to warm up pitchers in time. Don’t wait until the starter is gassed. Warm up your preferred relievers a batter or two before you think you’ll need them to avoid decreased stamina and effectiveness.

3. Mix Pitch Types

Effective relievers in MLB 25 aren’t just flame-throwers. Look for pitchers with different pitch speeds and movement. A reliever with a slider, changeup, and sinker gives you more tools to mess with timing and location, which is crucial in late-inning battles.

4. Know Their Confidence Levels

A reliever’s confidence directly affects pitch accuracy. If a pitcher gets rocked early, don’t hesitate to swap them out before they spiral. On the other hand, if someone is mowing batters down, ride the hot hand even if it wasn’t in your original plan.

5. Use Stubs Wisely for Better Arms

If your bullpen lacks depth, consider using mlb 25 stubs to grab high-performing relievers off the Marketplace. Players like Emmanuel Clase, Devin Williams, or even specialty lefties can be picked up if you're smart with your resources. You can buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to accelerate this process, especially if you're looking to stay competitive in Ranked mode.

6. Pitch Sequencing Matters

Don’t fall into predictable patterns. Mix high heat with low off-speed pitches to keep hitters guessing. Even in Diamond Dynasty, where hitters are better, a good sequence can induce weak contact or strikeouts when executed properly.

7. Master the Confidence Zones

MLB The Show 25 introduces subtle improvements in pitch accuracy feedback. Staying in your pitcher's confidence zone (where they’re most accurate) is key. Learn what zones your bullpen excels in and build your approach around that.

8. Practice Pinpoint Pitching

If you’re not already using Pinpoint, now’s a great time to switch. It gives you the most control over pitch placement, which is essential for avoiding meatballs in high-stakes situations. Spend some time in practice mode mastering it—it pays off quickly.

9. Rotate Based on Roles

Assign relievers with set roles: long relief, setup, and closer. This keeps your bullpen balanced and avoids overusing one pitcher. Rotating fresh arms also keeps stamina in check, especially during programs or conquest runs.

10. Check Community Markets for Underrated Gems

Sometimes the best relievers aren’t the flashiest names. Explore the marketplace on platforms like U4N to see what budget bullpen beasts are trending. These underrated arms can perform well above their rating and provide excellent value without breaking your mlb 25 stubs balance.

A strong bullpen can be the difference between a hard-earned win or a heartbreaking loss. Whether you’re playing competitive online or grinding offline content, optimizing your bullpen with these methods will give you the edge when it counts most. Stay sharp, stay unpredictable, and always be ready to make the call to the ‘pen.