It’s been a while since MLB The Show 23 was released. After these days of experience, I found that this brand new version has added a lot of new features compared to the previous version, including ranked Co-op, Universal DH, more strikeouts, less foul balls, less weak hits and so much more. Let’s take a look.
1. Fielding Overhaul
First, the fielding attribute matters way more. This is going to be controlling your field or start transitions, the jump they’re getting from the ball up the bat. It controls non-throwing errors and the throwing meter is still going to be in control of the throwing errors. But the fielding attribute controls everything else.
Overall, it seems like the fielding attribute is going to actually matter way more and it does matter on players receiving throws and MLB 23 Stubs.
2. New Animations
Number two, they’ve added new animations. This includes more robbing foul ball animations, the first baseman picking and stretching on throws. They’ve added new fielding and throwing urgency animations.
So, especially with higher fielding attributes, we should be seeing more and better urgency out of our fielders. They’ve also added some new dive animations that we’re going to be able to see.
3. Throw Meter Revamp
Number three is they revamped the throw accuracy meter.
Basically, this meter has three regions. The green region means your throw is going to be on target. The yellow region means it will be offline and the red region means you’re probably going to be making the throwing error.
Regarding the throw accuracy meter, there are mainly the following new changes. First is about the green section. In the previous version, if your meter reached the middle of the section, you had a perfect throw. But in MLB The Show 23, even if you hit a perfect throw, the meter isn’t necessarily in the middle of the section anymore. It’s going to be depending on how challenging the throw is and where the fielder is. That means fielders’ arm accuracy rating actually is what determines the size of that green region.
In the first place to First, there’s now a red region. And if you get it in that yellow region, then it’s going to be a throw in the dirt and the fielding rating of your first baseman will actually determine whether they’re scooping it out of the dirt. So, now it might actually matter having a better fielding first baseman. That means there will be fewer people using Frank Thomas.
4. Quirk Changes
Number four is a change to the Quirk System, which includes 4 more new quirks.
The first one is Pickoff Artist. This will increase the success rate of pickoffs. We also have Table Setter where the pitchers will perform better and when no runners are on. We have Break Outlier where a pitcher will be losing less break when tired if they have this quirk. And then, the fourth one is Bad Ball Hitter, where that hitter with this quirk will excel at hitting pitches out of the strike zone. So, you can choose the hitter like Vladimir Guerrero and if you don’t have this player, you can buy MLB The Show 23 Stubs to get him directly.
One huge change to quirks is they’ve completely removed the passive quirks from the game. So, basically, if a player has a quirk, he will do something that actually impacts the gameplay. We can’t guess if the players we use will do things that affect the gameplay. Every quirk impacts gameplay in some way.
5. Clutch Matters
Number five is they completely change the clutch attribute. It seems like it’s actually gonna matter this year in clutch situations. Whether it’s a hitter or pitcher runners on base, the clutch attribute is now what will determine the size of the PCI.
If the pitcher’s clutch is higher, he will make that PCI smaller and if the hitter’s clutch is higher, he will make that PCI bigger. That’s a huge change and might completely change the way I’m putting some guys on my bench. I feel like I’m going to need somebody who’s really clutching at all times.
6. On Screen Displays
Number six is that the on-screen displays have been improved. They’re only showing us what matters. You’re going to be seeing the quirks, which impact gameplay. You’re going to be seeing the attributes that are impacting the gameplay.
Regarding on-screen displays, the second tweak I want to mention concerns the newly added Statcast. Anytime you tap the left button on the D-Pad, a plethora of useful animations pop up onscreen. For example, you can see your opponent’s two strike chase percentage or their first pitch swing percentage. So, I think this feature can help you better analyze your opponent’s tendencies.
7. Swing Analysis
Number seven is that Swing Analysis has been completely revamped. They’re only showing us the important attributes of that hitter.
The PCI Placement and the Swing Timing, which actually now appear right when the PCI Placement does. You don’t have to wait until the next batter comes into the box. You’re seeing the overall result with exit velocity, launch angle as well as your contact, whether it’s Good, Okay, whatever that contact may be.
You’ll notice that in the PCI, there’s now a center dot, which they were calling the bullseye region. This is basically I guess that perfect region and I think the dot is mainly there to help let you know whether you’re under on top of the left or right of the ball. It is just a little more accuracy in the feedback that they’re giving you.
The contact grade that you’re seeing: Okay, Good, Weak. You might have noticed that in the past. Now, it’s simplified. If you see a good contact label, it should be more accurately reflecting the results that you’re seeing.
8. Competitive Changes
Number eight is that the Competitive gameplay mode has completely improved. The other two: Casual and Simulation have really stayed the same.
But they said that Competitive style has changed quite a bit. You’re going to be noticing a lot less foul balls and a lot more swing and miss. It sounded like the very early and very late timings will be resulting in a lot more swing and misses rather than foul balls like in previous years and you’re going to be seeing a lot less because of these cheap World Series Tickets.
Now, those cheap hits and those weekly hit balls still happen because that’s part of baseball. But every single game mode in Diamond Dynasty is set to Competitive mode. Better swings will be resulting in hard hit balls and have better results.
9. Plate Vision Changed
Number nine is that plate vision has been changed and I think this is the biggest reason why competitive have also changed. They said that Plate Vision has been reduced by 50 percent.
So, that’s going to be resulting in so many less foul balls, a lot more swing and misses. You might have noticed that outer PCI was huge last year and in other years. That’s been reduced apparently by 50 percent. This could be one of the best gameplay changes. They’ve ever made based on how it sounds.
l More Info: MLB The Show 23: Try Your Best to Hit! It’s Hitting Tips
10. Ranked CO-OP
Number 10 is that there is now a ranked Co-op. So, just like these solo ranked seasons mode, there is now also a rating tied to ranked Co-op mode where you can play with your friends, use Diamond Dynasty teams and earn rewards. Just like you could in solo rank Seasons, now there’s Co-op rank Seasons coming down MLB 23.
11. Rule Changes
Last but not least, rule changes coming down MLB 23.
The new shift rule will be in place with a minimum of four infielders, two on each side of second base. The pitch timer is still in the game. It has been for a while. You’re not just able to stand there in online games. Your pitchers are eventually going to throw the ball automatically.
They did not add the visually bigger bases, but Universal Designated Hitter is in Diamond Dynasty and this means that two-way players are also actually in the Diamond Dynasty. If a pitcher has a secondary position just like Shohei Ohtani (Buy MLB 23 Stubs Directly To Get A Strong Player Card), you can use that pitcher when he’s a starting pitcher as your designated hitter. If you’re not using them as a starting pitcher, you could use him in whatever those secondary positions are.
If you’re a fan of MLB The Show and want to experience the excitement of the World Series in real life, make sure to secure your World Series Tickets and cheer for your favorite team as they compete for the championship!
