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Jan 01, 2024

MLB The Show 23: How To Slide, Dive, And Jump

MLB The Show 23 won't automatically tell players how to make incredible plays so

MLB The Show 23 won't automatically tell players how to make incredible plays so they'll need to know how to jump, slide, and dive ahead of time.

Gamers aren't playing baseball to field routine fly balls and walk into second base. MLB The Show 23 gives players an opportunity to rob home runs, swipe third base, and turn an extra-base hit into an out. It's these big moments that make the game so memorable.

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However, unlike many other instances in the game, there are no button prompts for these moments. MLB The Show 23 will automatically do some things but it often slides inefficiently and allows liners to go over the character's head. Players that live for these moments need to know what to do ahead of time.

With the right baserunning settings, players can steal bases even with a slower player if they know how to slide. The AI will automatically select a slide but oftentimes this slide aims directly at the base and makes no effort to avoid a tag.

Feet-first slides are faster while headfirst slides are better at avoiding tags. Players that want to choose both a direction and which type of slide to do can flick the right thumbstick toward a corner. For example, going toward the upper-right diagonally will initiate a headfirst slide that targets the right side of the base.

Players that use the default fielding settings will find that R2 dives for the ball. This setting can be changed under 'Settings' and 'Gameplay' and then flipping over to 'Defense.' The alternative is that R1 or R2 will dive or jump and the AI will determine which one makes more sense.

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It's very wise to use the drifting ball setting to see exactly where a ball is going to land. There is not much more embarrassing than having to guess where the ball will land, diving, and having it bounce five feet away. If players don't dive the AI will not dive automatically; it will allow the ball to bounce and play it on a hop.

As the previous section states, this can also be made into R2 if players change the settings. Infielders will especially need to use this on hard-hit liners that are on their way to the outfield. Jumping is also critical for outfielders who are trying to rob a home run.

The timing for each of these positions can be tricky, but the announcers always go ballistic when making the play. With a high fielding statistic, players can jump extremely high for a highlight reel catch.

MLB The Show 23 is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Hodey is a writer for Game Rant and TheGamer based out of the Rocky Mountains in North Ogden, Utah. He's had a passion for video games and literature since he was a child growing up along the beaches of San Diego, California. As a graduate of Theology from Liberty University, he puts his experience with religion, philosophy, and debate into his work. His other interests include sports, smoking meats, and podcasting.