MLB 25: How to Prioritize Contact First

Hitting is the lifeblood of any successful season in MLB 25, and while power might get the highlight reels, consistent contact is what wins games. Players who jump straight to chasing home runs often plateau, frustrated by weak pop-ups or strikeouts when they could be racking up hits and driving runs with smart, balanced swings.

This guide breaks down how to prioritize contact first, then power — with proven tips on optimizing your PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) camera, choosing the best hitting interface settings, and structuring your batting cage practice for maximum results.

Why Contact Matters More Than Power

In MLB 25, hitting is built on the same fundamentals that real pros use: get the bat on the ball, control the strike zone, and hit it where they ain't.

A player who squares up pitches consistently will naturally develop the timing and pitch recognition needed to drive balls over the fence later on. Mastering contact gives you the control to adjust mid-swing, foul off tough pitches, and protect the plate with two strikes — all skills that separate good players from great ones.

If you only chase power, you'll rely too heavily on perfect timing and mistake pitches. But if you learn to make solid contact first, you'll be ready to punish pitchers when they do miss.

Step 1: Optimize Your PCI Camera — "Strike Zone 2" is a Winner

Your PCI (the on-screen reticle that shows where your bat will cover the strike zone) is your best tool for improving contact. But it's only as good as your camera angle.

Most competitive hitters swear by the "Strike Zone 2" camera or similar close-up, zoomed-in views. Here's why:

Better Pitch Recognition: A tight camera makes it easier to read pitch spin (fastball vs. slider) and location.

Faster Reaction: When the camera is closer, you see the pitch out of the hand quicker, giving you more time to adjust.

Consistent PCI Placement: A clear view of the strike zone means fewer guesses and wasted swings.

To set this up:

Go to Settings > Gameplay > Cameras.

Set Hitting Camera to Strike Zone 2 (or experiment with Strike Zone 1 or Strike Zone High).

Test in Practice Mode. If the ball feels too close or too far, adjust until you can see both the pitcher's release and the edges of the zone clearly.

Step 2: Use Zone Hitting with Off-Centered PCI

Next up is your hitting interface. The best hitters use Zone Hitting, which puts you in full control of the PCI. The other methods (Directional or Pure Analog) can work, but Zone Hitting allows you to adjust your swing to any pitch location.

But here's the twist: Many top players recommend setting your PCI slightly off-center — favoring up and in or up and away — to match where most fastballs or mistake pitches tend to end up.

Why off-centered PCI works:

Protects against high heat: Many pitchers live up in the zone with fastballs. Starting your PCI a bit higher helps you get on top of these pitches.

Reduces late swings: Pre-setting your PCI toward the pitcher's release point reduces how far you need to move it when reacting.

Improves plate coverage: You can still adjust down and away if needed, but your default spot covers the most dangerous pitch locations.

Try this:

Use Zone Hitting in Settings.

In the PCI customization options, experiment with PCI Anchor to preset your PCI slightly up in the zone.

Combine this with your camera for maximum clarity.

Step 3: Tweak PCI Visuals for Focus

Your PCI's appearance can affect how well you track pitches. Many hitters prefer a clean look:

Inner only: Shows just the center dot or reticle.

Outer ring off: Removes distractions.

Transparency 70–80%: Visible but not overpowering.

Color: High-contrast color like cyan, yellow, or white depending on your stadium background.

This helps you track both the pitch and PCI movement without clutter.

Step 4: Practice in Batting Cages — Timing and Situational Drills

Having the perfect setup means nothing if you don't put in the reps. The batting cages in MLB 25 are your training ground for fine-tuning timing and pitch coverage.

Here's how to use them like a pro:

Drill 1: Timing Patterns

Most players struggle because they react rather than anticipate. Good timing is about recognizing pitch speed and location before the ball crosses the plate.

Timing Pattern Tips:

Pick a pitcher with good velocity variation (fastball, changeup, curve).

Focus on hitting pitches up the middle. This promotes staying back and letting the ball travel.

Start with fastballs only. Swing early and late on purpose to feel the timing window.

Add off-speed pitches gradually. Try to identify the break point — the earlier you read it, the more solid your contact.

Spend at least 10–15 minutes per session purely on timing.

Drill 2: Elevated Fastballs

High fastballs are where many players miss — either by dropping their PCI too far or swinging underneath.

How to practice elevated pitches:

In the cages, set the pitching machine to throw high fastballs only.

Keep your PCI slightly up (off-centered technique).

Focus on quick, compact swings. Don't drop your PCI too low — think about swinging level through the top half of the zone.

This drill trains your eyes to recognize rising heat and your hands to stay above the ball.

Drill 3: Low-and-Away Breakers

Pitches low and away are strikeout bait. Many players chase them because they can't resist protecting the plate.

How to master them:

Use the cages to set up sliders or changeups low and away.

Practice laying off first. Work on pitch recognition — swing only if the pitch clearly starts in the zone.

Then, work on defensive swings: shorten up and flick the ball the other way.

The goal is to foul tough pitches off or poke them through the opposite field, not to crush them.

Bonus Drill: Two-Strikes Focus

In real games, your approach with two strikes should shift from "damage" to "fight." Use the cages to practice:

Choking up: mentally shorten your swing.

Expanding your PCI coverage. Be ready to adjust to any location.

Foul off borderline pitches to stay alive.

Step 5: Bring It All Together in Real Games

Practice is only half the equation. Once you're confident in your PCI setup, camera, and timing, take it online or into Road to the Show.

In-game tips to remember:

Stick to your plan. Don't swing for the fences every pitch.

Work counts. Take borderline pitches early, wait for a mistake.

When ahead in the count (2–0, 3–1), look for a pitch to drive. That's your power moment.

With two strikes, shift back to contact — fight off pitches, look for walks, and put the ball in play.

The Natural Progression: Contact First, Power Later

As you master contact hitting, you'll find yourself squaring up pitches more often — and naturally driving them deeper. Once your timing and pitch recognition are sharp, your exit velocity goes up, and those line drives start clearing the wall.

Players who learn this progression dominate the plate: singles and doubles build confidence, force pitchers into the stretch, and eventually set you up for the big swings when they make mistakes.

Final Checklist for Success

Use "Strike Zone 2" or a similar camera for clear vision.

Set your PCI to Zone Hitting with a slight off-center anchor.

Customize PCI visuals to reduce distractions.

Train timing patterns, elevated fastballs, and low-and-away pitches in batting cages.

Focus on solid contact first — power will follow.

Closing Thoughts

Hitting in MLB 25 is about playing smart, disciplined baseball. The players who master the fundamentals of contact are always a threat at the plate — whether they're dropping singles into opposite field gaps or turning on a hanging curve for a monster home run. MMOexp's MLB The Show 25 Stubs services and guidance can help you hit the ball with quality.

So grab your controller, tweak your camera, dial in that PCI — and head to the cages. Put in the work now, and by mid-season, you'll be turning line drives into game-winning bombs while your opponents wonder how you never miss.

See you at the plate!

MMOexp MLB 25 Team