Alright, folks, let’s talk about picking off runners in MLB The Show 24. I’ve been messing around with this, and it’s trickier than it looks, but I’ve finally got a decent handle on it. Here’s how I figured it out, step-by-step.
First Attempts – Total Fail
So, initially, I just winged it. I’d have a runner on first, and I’d just randomly press the button to throw over. Surprise, surprise – it didn’t work out too well. Most of the time, my pitcher would just step off the mound, or the runner would get back easily. I was basically giving away free bases.
Figuring Out the Buttons
Next, I actually looked at the controls (duh). It turns out there are different ways to do pickoffs. I found out:
- Quick Pickoff: Holding L2 (or LT on Xbox) and pressing the base button (like Circle for first base).
- Deceptive Pickoff:This one is a little tricky. Press L2, and a base button.
- Step off: Just Tap L1.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Knowing the buttons is one thing, but actually doing it in-game is another. I spent a good chunk of time in practice mode, just getting the timing down. I started with the quick pickoff, just trying to get the throw over there as fast as possible. It is important get the throw to the base before the runner can react.
The deceptive move was harder. I messed it up a lot at first, either stepping off or just making a regular throw. The key, I found, was to be really smooth with the button presses. It’s a press and hold and you need press the other button.
Reading the Runner
After I got comfortable with the controls, I started paying more attention to the runners. Some runners are way more aggressive than others. If they’re taking a huge lead, that’s your chance. I also noticed that the CPU runners tend to be more aggressive on higher difficulty levels, so that’s a good time to practice.
Mixing It Up
Once I got decent at picking off, I realized I couldn’t just keep doing the same thing. If you’re predictable, the runners will adjust. So, I started mixing it up – sometimes I’d do a quick pickoff, sometimes a deceptive one, and sometimes I’d just step off to keep them honest.
It’s Still a Gamble
Even with all this practice, picking off a runner is still a bit of a gamble. Sometimes, you’ll make a perfect throw, and the runner will still be safe. Other times, you’ll make a terrible throw, and you’ll get lucky. That’s just baseball, I guess.
Use pick off attempts to control the running game and keep your opponents from getting easy steals.
But hey, when you do nail a runner, it feels pretty good. It’s like a mini-victory within the game. So keep practicing, keep experimenting, and you’ll get the hang of it eventually!
