MLB The Show 26 has made several updates to AI behavior, both in batting and pitching, that change how the game feels for most players. Understanding these changes can make a big difference whether you’re playing online, offline, or just running through franchise mode. In this guide, I’ll explain what you can expect from the AI, how it usually reacts in common situations, and what strategies tend to work best in practice.

How Has AI Batting Changed?

In general, AI batters in MLB The Show 26 are smarter about pitch selection. Most players will notice that the computer is less likely to swing at pitches outside the strike zone, especially in key situations. AI hitters tend to be more patient, waiting for their preferred pitch type or location before swinging.

For example, if you often rely on fastballs up in the zone, the AI will start recognizing patterns and adjusting its timing. It doesn’t mean the AI is impossible to strike out, but repeated, predictable pitch sequences are less effective than they were in previous versions.

Most players find that mixing pitch speeds, changing locations, and occasionally throwing breaking balls early in counts works best. The AI is less likely to chase sliders in the dirt or fastballs low and away once it’s established a count advantage.

What About AI Pitching?

AI pitchers have also been improved. Usually, they are better at locating pitches and reading your swings. For players who tend to swing at everything, AI will punish overly aggressive hitting more consistently than before.

One common pattern is that the AI will exploit holes in your swing. For example, if you often pull the ball, AI pitchers will throw pitches outside the opposite side of the plate to make you swing weakly. Most players report that adapting to this requires patience and adjusting their approach depending on the count and the pitcher’s tendencies.

When facing AI pitchers, it’s generally helpful to focus on two things: recognizing pitch types early and changing your swing approach based on the count. The AI will make mistakes occasionally, but it is less forgiving of repeated, predictable swings.

Fielding Smarts: How AI Defenders React

Another area where the AI has improved is defense. In general, fielders are better at positioning themselves and reacting to hard-hit balls. Most players notice that ground balls to the infield are more likely to be fielded cleanly and thrown to the correct base.

Double plays are more realistic because AI infielders can handle tricky hops and relay throws faster than in previous iterations. Outfielders are also smarter about reading fly balls and taking better angles, reducing the number of extra-base hits on routine balls.

This means that when you’re trying to hit for contact, you need to focus on placement rather than relying on the AI making mistakes. Bunting and hit-and-run plays are still effective tools, but the window for success is narrower than in earlier versions.

Base Running and Stealing

Base running AI is another area where players usually see noticeable changes. AI runners are more cautious on the bases and less likely to get picked off or caught stealing if the player controlling the pitcher doesn’t make mistakes.

Most players report that timing your steals carefully is key. AI catchers are more accurate and can throw runners out more often, so blind or early jumps are usually punished. In general, it helps to study the catcher’s tendencies and the pitch type before attempting a steal.

In Practice: How Most Players Adapt

Most players approach AI adjustments by focusing on situational awareness. Here’s what generally works:

1. Mix pitch types and locations – AI hitters adjust quickly if you are predictable.

2. Be patient at the plate – Swinging at pitches outside the zone is punished more often.

3. Focus on placement over power – With smarter fielding, hitting gaps is more effective than trying to muscle balls over the fence.

4. Watch AI tendencies – Both hitters and pitchers show patterns. Recognizing them in-game is often more effective than trying to exploit “cheats.”

For online modes, this also affects economy decisions. Some players find themselves needing to buy MLB The Show 26 stubs ps5 to complete rosters or acquire specific players, since the smarter AI makes grinding slightly slower in terms of progression.

Common Misconceptions

A lot of players assume that AI improvements make the game unfair. In practice, most of these changes are about realism, not difficulty spikes. The AI doesn’t “cheat” in ways you can’t counter; it just reacts more intelligently to your repeated patterns.

Another misconception is that the AI is now unbeatable. While it’s tougher to exploit, adjusting your strategy, varying your swings, and studying pitcher or hitter tendencies usually gives most players a consistent edge.

• Study pitch sequences: Most AI hitters react predictably to repeated patterns, so use variation to keep them guessing.

• Use situational hitting: Pay attention to runners, count, and field positioning rather than trying to hit for power every time.

• Base running matters: AI catchers and fielders punish poor timing, so make sure you’re aware of their abilities before making risky plays.

• Patience pays off: Both at the plate and in the field, waiting for the right moment often results in better outcomes than trying to force plays.

Overall, the smarter AI in MLB The Show 26 rewards players who adapt and think ahead. Most players notice a sharper learning curve at first, but once you adjust your approach, the gameplay feels more like real baseball and less like exploiting predictable computer behavior.