When it comes to pitching in MLB The Show 26, understanding how to use framing and blocking techniques can make a big difference in your game. These elements are often overlooked, but they can have a significant impact on how well your pitching staff performs. Whether you're controlling the catcher or dealing with a tough at-bat, mastering these two skills can give you an edge. In this guide, we’ll break down the importance of framing and blocking, how they work in the game, and some practical strategies to help you improve.



What is Framing and Why Does it Matter?



Framing is the art of making a pitch look more appealing to the umpire, even if it’s not a perfect strike. Essentially, you want to "frame" the pitch in a way that convinces the umpire to call it a strike, especially for borderline pitches. In MLB The Show 26, this mechanic is built into the catching controls, but it’s something you can improve with practice.



In practice, what you want to do is focus on catching the ball with a smooth, subtle motion, especially if the pitch is close to the edge of the strike zone. The key to effective framing is keeping the catcher’s glove still and not overreacting to the pitch. This is particularly important with off-speed pitches or high/low strikes, where the strike zone can be subjective.



How Does Framing Work in MLB The Show 26?



In MLB The Show 26, framing isn’t automatic. It requires active input from you as the player controlling the catcher. The key to successful framing is to move the right stick (on PlayStation, this is the R3 stick) just as the pitch is about to land in the catcher’s glove. You want to gently "pull" the glove towards the strike zone, especially when the pitch is close to the edges.



It’s important to know that not all catchers are equal when it comes to framing. Each catcher has a rating for "Framing," which is a hidden attribute that impacts how well they can make a pitch look like a strike. A catcher with a higher framing rating will have an easier time getting those borderline calls. If you’re using a catcher with a low framing rating, you might need to be extra precise with your stick movements.



How to Frame Pitches Effectively



Here are some tips to frame pitches better in MLB The Show 26:



Know the Pitcher’s Arsenal: Before you try to frame any pitch, make sure you understand the pitcher’s strengths and where their pitches usually land. If you know that a pitch is likely to go outside, you can position your catcher more accurately to catch it in the zone.



Focus on the Edges of the Zone: The most crucial pitches to frame are the ones at the edge of the strike zone. These are the pitches that can go either way, so timing your movement to catch them cleanly will help you get more calls in your favor.



Minimal Movement: When framing, try to minimize the movement of your catcher’s glove. Jerking the glove will make the pitch look less convincing. A smooth, controlled pull is more likely to get the call.



Watch the Pitcher’s Release Point: Be aware of the pitcher’s release point, especially on off-speed pitches. These pitches can often end up in tricky spots in the zone, so being ready to react early is key.



Use "Pulse" for Better Accuracy: If you’re struggling with consistently framing pitches, use the pulse meter (if you play with it) to understand where your pitches are likely to land. This gives you an early advantage in positioning your catcher’s glove in the right place.



What is Blocking and How Does it Affect Your Game?



Blocking is another vital skill, particularly when it comes to preventing wild pitches. In MLB The Show 26, blocking works similarly to how it does in real life: you want your catcher to react quickly to errant pitches and prevent them from going to the backstop. A good blocker can stop pitches in the dirt, keeping runners from advancing and minimizing scoring opportunities.



While you don’t have direct control over all blocking situations (the game will take care of some of it automatically), your input can make a difference. You’ll need to make sure your catcher is in the right position to stop any balls in the dirt, and sometimes you’ll need to guide him with the right stick to make sure the block is successful.



How Does Blocking Work in MLB The Show 26?



In MLB The Show 26, blocking is tied to your catcher’s "Blocking" attribute, just like framing is tied to the framing rating. A higher blocking rating means the catcher has better control over wild pitches and is less likely to miss balls in the dirt. When a pitch is thrown in the dirt, you’ll see an indicator showing where the ball is likely to land. You need to move your catcher’s glove to that area in time to block it.



When a pitch bounces in front of the plate, there’s a split-second reaction time. If you’re able to use the left stick to get your catcher into position quickly, he’s more likely to successfully block the ball. If you don’t get there in time or your catcher’s rating is low, the ball could get away, and runners might take advantage of the situation.



How to Block Pitches Effectively



Here are a few strategies to improve your blocking in MLB The Show 26:



Watch the Pitch Carefully: As the pitch is coming in, try to predict whether it’s going to be in the dirt. With practice, you’ll get a better feel for certain pitch types and know when to expect a bounce.



Position Your Catcher Well: A lot of the time, the catcher’s positioning will determine how well he blocks. If your catcher is too far from the plate or not in front of the pitch, it’s much harder to block. Always make sure he’s in the right spot to make a play.



Use Manual Controls: If you’re having trouble with auto-blocking, consider manually controlling the catcher during pitches in the dirt. It’s a more advanced technique, but it can give you better control over the block and keep wild pitches from getting past you.



Understand Your Catcher’s Blocking Rating: If your catcher has a low blocking rating, don’t expect him to stop every wild pitch. If you find yourself constantly letting balls get away, it might be time to invest in a better defensive catcher with a higher blocking attribute. Speaking of which, if you need more stubs to get that perfect catcher for your team, check out thebest site to buy MLB The Show 26 stubs to make sure you’ve got the resources to improve your roster.



What Happens if You Don’t Focus on Framing and Blocking?



If you neglect framing and blocking, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. Poor framing can lead to more balls being called strikes against you, and a lack of blocking can lead to wild pitches and free bases. These mistakes can add up over the course of a game, leading to missed opportunities and frustrating losses.



It’s easy to overlook these aspects of the game, but mastering both framing and blocking can be the difference between winning a close game and losing. Take the time to practice these skills, and you’ll see improvement in your pitching and defense.



In MLB The Show 26, mastering the basics of framing and blocking can really set you apart as a player. Both elements require a combination of timing, positioning, and understanding your catcher’s attributes. By focusing on these aspects of the game, you’ll increase your chances of getting favorable calls and keeping runners from advancing on wild pitches. Practice these techniques, and they’ll become second nature, helping you become a more effective player overall.