MLB The Show 25 is bringing a fresh and exciting experience to its Road to the Show mode, marking a significant shift with the introduction of high school and college gameplay. For those eager to get ahead, some players might even consider options to buy MLB 25 stubs to enhance their player's progression. This new feature allows players to experience the journey from a young amateur to a potential MLB star, adding depth and immersion to the already popular game mode. Let's dive into what this new amateur experience entails.

High School Glory and College Dreams

The journey begins by creating your character and choosing your position, as usual. However, the big change comes with the introduction of amateur years, starting with high school. Players can select from four regional high schools, each boasting its unique ballpark. Your performance in these high school games directly impacts the colleges that will show interest in you.

The high school experience culminates in a championship, where you play around three games. Performing well earns you tokens, which are crucial for upgrading your player and improving your chances of getting scouted by top colleges. While the high school fields might be a bit more modern than some are used to, with jerseys even having names on the back, the experience is still a compelling addition. Pitch speeds are also realistically adjusted to reflect the level of play, offering a more authentic experience.

After high school, players are invited to the MLB Draft Combine. Skipping the combine results in fewer tokens, a lower draft pick, and less college interest. Participating in the combine, with its fielding tests and scout games, is crucial for boosting your prospects.

College Baseball Championship

Following the combine and the MLB draft, players have the option to attend college. Eight licensed schools are available, ranging from smaller institutions like Cal State Fullerton to powerhouses like LSU. Each school offers different perks, such as NIL equipment packs with cleats, bats, and batting gloves to boost your player's abilities. Some colleges even provide specific perks, like LSU's power perk. The choice of school impacts your token payout and draft exposure.

The college experience fast-forwards three years to your senior year, where you participate in the College Baseball Championship, played at a stadium resembling the College World Series in Omaha. You'll play around three games at the college level, after which you're ready for the MLB draft again.

Upgrade Your Attributes

The upgrade path in Road to the Show is now based on tokens earned through gameplay. These tokens can be spent on specific attributes or attribute groups, giving players complete freedom to mold their player. Whether you want a power-speed guy or someone focused on defense, the choice is yours. The perk system is also brand new, offering boosts in certain situations, such as hitting with the bases loaded or pitching with runners in scoring position. Equipment is back but now boosts all attributes at a percentage rate, making it more impactful.

While the amateur years experience might feel a bit short, with only about six games between high school and college, it's still a welcome addition, especially for those who have been missing a college baseball game since 2007.

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