In MLB The Show 25, everyone knows the usual suspects: the high heat four-seamer, the sweeping slider, or the classic sinker-sweeper combo. But seasoned players know that winning online doesn’t just come from meta picks—it’s often the underused, deceptive pitches that keep opponents guessing and lead to domination on the mound. If you’re tired of getting shelled online and want to freshen up your pitching arsenal, here are 8 underrated pitches that punch above their weight in MLB The Show 25.

1. Circle Change (Low & Away)

It’s not flashy, but a well-placed circle change is a nightmare against aggressive hitters. Especially effective after a couple of fastballs, it keeps opponents off balance and induces plenty of grounders. When controlled properly, this pitch feels almost unfair.

2. Cutter (Inside to Opposite-Handed Hitters)

Most players don’t expect an inside cutter to jam them up, especially when they’re gearing up for outside junk. Pitchers like Corbin Burnes make this a deadly tool when sequenced right. It's quick, cuts late, and misses barrels.

3. Slurve (Mixed Tunnels)

The slurve doesn’t get as much attention as the slider or curve, but its hybrid break makes it unpredictable. Throw it after a high fastball or low changeup and watch players swing over the top. The key is location variety and not overusing it.

4. Splitter (Low in the Zone)

Splitters may have lost favor in the real MLB, but in The Show 25, they’re golden. Use it sparingly, with fastballs up in the count, and you’ll get whiffs and weak contact. Its velocity drop combined with sharp vertical drop is deadly.

5. Two-Seam Fastball (Backdoor to Lefties/Righties)

This pitch flies under the radar because it doesn’t miss bats often—but its movement can freeze hitters looking for more dramatic break. Use it to steal strikes on the corners or jam players looking fastball middle-in.

6. Knuckle Curve (Drop in After High Heat)

A high-velo fastball followed by a deep-dropping knuckle curve is still one of the most effective pitch combos. The knuckle curve, when kept low or just under the zone, gets lots of chases and called strikes—if you're consistent with your tunneling.

7. Sweeping Curve (Outside to Same-Handed Hitters)

While the sweeping slider gets the spotlight, the sweeping curve breaks a bit slower and wider, often luring aggressive hitters into early swings. Against same-handed batters, it’s especially effective when sequenced after fastballs or cutters.

8. Vulcan Change (Rare but Lethal)

Not many pitchers have it, but if you find one, the vulcan change has nasty drop with deceptive arm speed. It looks like a straight changeup but drops more vertically. Great against players who think they’ve timed you up.

Mastering these underrated pitches won’t just improve your online performance—they’ll also help you conserve resources, since you won’t always need the most hyped Diamond Dynasty arms to win. Of course, having a stacked bullpen never hurts, and if you’re planning to buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs to build your squad faster, it’s smart to compare the MLB The Show 25 Stubs price across platforms. Sites like U4N are often discussed in the community for their affordability and reliability, but always make sure to buy wisely and check player reviews.

Ultimately, pitching success in MLB The Show 25 isn’t about overpowering your opponent—it’s about keeping them uncomfortable. These 8 underrated pitches may not top the charts, but they dominate in the hands of a smart player. Give them a shot, and you might find yourself climbing the online ranks faster than you expected.