MLB The Show 22 Best Baserunning Controls

Optimizing your baserunning approach directly impacts scoring potential and can significantly improve your offensive production throughout games. The control scheme you select determines how efficiently you manage runners and capitalize on defensive mistakes.

MLB The Show 22 provides remarkable flexibility in gameplay customization, ranging from hyper-realistic simulation to accessible arcade experiences. While pitching and hitting mechanics offer extensive precision controls, baserunning options focus more on interface preference than technical execution differences. Your choice ultimately depends on controller familiarity and situational management preferences.

Baserunner management in MLB The Show 22 presents three distinct approaches rather than skill-based progression systems. The available schemes prioritize different control philosophies: intuitive directional control, traditional button mapping, or automated decision-making. Understanding each system’s strengths helps maximize your offensive efficiency.

The Default control configuration utilizes shoulder bumpers for global baserunner commands—advancing or returning all runners simultaneously. For targeted control, you point the left analog stick toward your desired runner, then press face buttons corresponding to target bases. On Xbox controllers, this translates to: A for home plate, B for first base, Y for second base, and X for third base.

This control mapping remains consistent whether advancing runners on hits or attempting steals during pitcher deliveries. Many experienced players prefer this scheme for its intuitive spatial relationship—directing the stick toward the runner you want to control feels natural, while face buttons logically represent base destinations.

Advanced Technique: Master the ‘lead optimization’ by tapping advance briefly before pitches to gain extra distance without committing to steals. Time this with pitcher movements for maximum effectiveness while minimizing pickoff risks.

Common Mistake: Overusing the ‘advance all’ bumper command in situations with multiple runners, often resulting in unnecessary outs at home plate. Always assess defensive positioning before committing runners.

Compared to the Classic scheme, Default controls eliminate the intermediate step of D-pad integration, creating more direct input pathways. This becomes crucial during fast-paced situations where split-second decisions determine safe/out calls.

Classic baserunning controls maintain the same global bumper functions for team advancement but employ a different methodology for individual runner control. Instead of stick pointing, you first select runners using face buttons corresponding to their current base positions, then navigate them using D-pad directional inputs.

This scheme appeals to veterans of earlier baseball titles or players who prefer compartmentalized input systems. The separation between selection and navigation phases can reduce accidental commands during high-pressure moments.

Strategic Application: Classic controls excel in complex baserunning scenarios requiring precise sequencing, such as double steals or trailing runner advancement. The deliberate two-step process prevents rushed decisions that often lead to outs.

Performance Consideration: While effective, the D-pad integration adds an extra input layer that can slow reaction times by approximately 0.3-0.5 seconds compared to Default controls. This delay becomes significant during unexpected defensive plays or errant throws.

Transitioning between schemes requires 2-3 games of adjustment period as muscle memory recalibrates to different input patterns. Consider practicing in exhibition mode before implementing in ranked play.

Auto Baserunning delegates situational decision-making to the game’s AI, making it ideal for newcomers still learning baseball fundamentals or casual players focusing on other gameplay aspects. The system generally makes conservative decisions that minimize risky advances.

Even with automation active, the bumper override functions remain available, allowing manual intervention when the AI makes suboptimal choices. However, individual runner control becomes disabled, limiting precision adjustments during complex plays.

AI Behavior Analysis: The automated system prioritizes runner safety over aggressive advancement, typically only taking extra bases on clear opportunities. This conservative approach prevents many baserunning errors but may cost potential scoring chances.

Progression Path: As you develop game knowledge, gradually transition to manual controls starting with simple scenarios. Begin by using auto for routine plays but switching to manual for critical scoring opportunities.

Advanced players occasionally use Auto Baserunning strategically during marathon gaming sessions to reduce mental fatigue while maintaining competitive performance.

Beyond control scheme selection, mastering situational awareness separates competent baserunners from elite ones. Always monitor outfielders’ throwing arms, defensive positioning, and game context before making advancement decisions.

Speed Tier Optimization: Understand your runners’ speed attributes—players with 70+ speed ratings can take extra bases more aggressively, while slower runners require conservative approaches.

Steal Timing Techniques: The ideal steal attempt occurs during pitcher delivery animations rather than pre-pitch setups. Time your jump with the pitcher’s commitment motion for best results.

Integrating effective baserunning with your overall game strategy creates compounding advantages throughout matches.

Risk Assessment Framework: Evaluate each advancement opportunity using this decision hierarchy: score position > runner speed > outfielder arm strength > number of outs.

For players looking to deepen their overall game mastery, baserunning represents one component of comprehensive gameplay improvement.

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