MLB The Show 26: How Bunting and Small Ball Really Work

[SilverSprout]

This article is written for players who already understand the basics of MLB The Show 26 and want to use bunting and small ball more effectively. Small ball is not flashy, but it wins games when used correctly. Below are common questions players ask and practical answers based on how the game usually plays.

Why do players use bunting and small ball in MLB The Show 26?

Most players think of home runs first, but in general, bunting and small ball are about controlling innings. They help you move runners, force defensive mistakes, and score without relying on power.

In close games, especially online, one run often decides the outcome. Small ball gives you tools to manufacture that run. It is not about bunting every inning. It is about using it when the defense is not ready.

When is bunting actually effective?

Bunting works best when the defense is playing standard depth and not expecting it. Usually, these situations include:

Runner on first with no outs

Fast runner on third with less than two outs

Pitchers or weak hitters at the plate

Late innings in tied or one-run games

Most players bunt too early or in obvious situations. If you bunt every time you have a runner on first, opponents will adjust quickly.

How does bunting work mechanically in MLB The Show 26?

Bunting in MLB The Show 26 depends on timing, placement, and player attributes.

In practice:

Show bunt early if you want control

Angle the bunt based on pitcher handedness

Avoid bunting high pitches

Deadening the ball is more important than direction

Usually, bunting toward first base is safer with a right-handed batter, and toward third base with a left-handed batter. This forces longer throws.

Which player attributes matter most for bunting?

Most players focus only on bunt rating, but other attributes matter too.

Key attributes include:

Bunt rating and drag bunt rating

Speed

Vision (helps with contact on bad pitches)

Discipline (helps avoid bunting at balls)

A fast player with average bunting is often better than a slow player with high bunting. Speed turns close plays into safe calls.

What is drag bunting and when should you use it?

Drag bunting is usually done with fast left-handed hitters. It works best when:

Infield is not shifted in

Defense is playing deep

Pitcher has slow delivery

In general, drag bunting is risky online because most players expect it. Use it sparingly. One successful drag bunt early can change how your opponent positions their defense later.

How does the defense react to repeated bunting?

Defensive AI and human opponents adjust quickly. Usually, after one or two bunts:

Corners will move in

Pitchers will throw higher fastballs

Infield shifts will appear

At this point, bunting becomes much harder. Smart players then switch to hit-and-run or contact swings. Small ball is about forcing reactions, not repeating the same move.

Is sacrifice bunting worth giving up an out?

This depends on the game mode and situation.

In offline modes, sacrifice bunts are usually safe because AI reacts slower. In online play, giving up an out can be dangerous unless you are confident you can score the runner.

In general:

Early innings: usually not worth it

Late innings: often worth it if one run matters

Two strikes: avoid bunting unless necessary

How do squeeze plays work in MLB The Show 26?

Squeeze bunts can be effective but are risky.

Safety squeeze:

Runner waits to see the bunt down

Lower risk

Slower to score

Suicide squeeze:

Runner breaks on pitch

High risk

High reward

Most players fail squeeze plays because they bunt too hard or too early. Practice in offline modes before trying online.

How does small ball combine with stealing and hit-and-run?

Small ball works best when layered.

Common sequences include:

Steal second, then bunt

Bunt for hit, then steal

Hit-and-run to avoid double plays

In general, mixing these actions keeps opponents guessing. If you only bunt, defenses lock in. If you mix steals, contact swings, and bunts, you stay unpredictable.

What mistakes do most players make with bunting?

Most players make the same mistakes:

Bunting too often

Bunting with slow runners

Bunting against defensive shifts

Forgetting pitch location

Panic bunting under pressure

Another common mistake is forcing bunts just because a batter has high bunting stats. Situational awareness matters more than ratings.

How does small ball affect long-term game flow?

Small ball changes how opponents pitch to you. Once you show you can bunt and steal:

Pitchers throw faster to the plate

Infielders cheat in

Mistake pitches increase

This opens up normal hitting opportunities later. Many experienced players use small ball early not to score, but to set up big innings later.

Does small ball matter in Diamond Dynasty-style modes?

Yes, especially when lineups are stacked with power hitters.

When everyone expects home runs, bunting becomes more effective. Some players even mention offhand things like “purchase MLB The Show 26 stubs easily at U4N” when discussing roster building, but regardless of how teams are built, small ball still depends on execution, not roster value.

In general, fundamentals win more games than raw ratings.

How should players practice bunting and small ball?

The best way to practice is in low-pressure environments.

Recommended approach:

Practice Mode for placement

Offline games for timing

Focus on one technique per session

Watch defensive reactions

Usually, players who practice bunting intentionally perform better when it actually matters.

Bunting and small ball are not gimmicks. They are tools. Most players ignore them or use them poorly. Experienced players use them to control the pace of the game.

In general, the goal is not to bunt often, but to bunt smart. When used correctly, small ball turns tight games in your favor.