MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a revamped Road to the Show mode. This mode lets you live the dream of becoming a major league baseball player, but a crucial decision awaits: college or the pros? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each path.
Unlike previous iterations, MLB The Show 25 starts you as a high schooler facing this pivotal choice. Major colleges and MLB teams are scouting you, but you can only choose one path. After your high school season (regardless of winning or losing the state title), scouts will approach you. Between games, you'll learn more about your options, including the teams interested in drafting you. Your performance in high school and the MLB Combine significantly impacts your draft stock and college recruitment.
Following the Combine, you'll commit to a college or go pro. Even if you choose college, a team will still draft you. The game clearly outlines the choices. Here's a sample of options presented:
Going Pro:
- Receive a signing bonus of 5 Tokens.
- Reduced chance of fast-tracking to the Major Leagues.
- Begin your pro career at age 18.
Going to College:
- Receive all benefits of the college's offer (e.g., LSU).
- Increased chance of being a #1 overall draft pick in a future MLB Draft.
- Begin your pro career at age 21 after completing your college career.
Ultimately, the choice is personal. If you've spent years grinding through the minor leagues in previous games, college might be a refreshing change. Becoming the #1 overall pick is a significant accomplishment, offering a different and potentially more developed player experience. However, the direct-to-pros route offers the challenge of working your way up from the bottom.
In our experience, choosing college offered the best of both worlds. The path to the pros is quicker than expected, with the game fast-forwarding to your third year and a championship run. You don't spend an excessive amount of time in college before transitioning to professional baseball.
So, there you have it—a breakdown of the college versus pro decision in MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show. For more tips, check out our guide on the best pitching settings.
MLB The Show 25 is available now in Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
