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If you’ve been playing MLB The Show 26 for a while, you probably know the game isn’t just about hitting home runs or striking out batters. The game has a lot of stats that can tell you a lot about how well you’re really playing, and tracking them can actually make you a better player over time. In this article, I’ll go over some of the stats most players find useful, explain how they work in practice, and give tips on tracking them effectively.
Which Batting Stats Are Worth Watching?
1. Batting Average (BA)
Batting average is one of the simplest stats in the game. It measures how often you get a hit when you’re at bat. Most players look at this first because it’s easy to understand. If your BA is above .300, that’s generally considered excellent. In practice, a BA in the .250-.270 range is solid, especially if you’re also getting extra-base hits.
2. On-Base Percentage (OBP)
OBP is more telling than batting average because it includes walks and hit-by-pitches. Most players notice that even if their BA isn’t great, a high OBP usually means they’re contributing to scoring opportunities. In general, focusing on walks and taking good pitches can improve this stat without changing your hitting mechanics too much.
3. Slugging Percentage (SLG)
Slugging percentage measures how powerful your hits are. Doubles, triples, and home runs all count more than singles. In practice, players often notice that improving swing timing or aiming for certain parts of the strike zone can raise SLG more effectively than just swinging harder. Tracking SLG is useful for understanding how much damage you’re doing beyond just getting on base.
Pitching Stats You Should Keep an Eye On
1. Earned Run Average (ERA)
ERA measures how many earned runs your pitchers allow per nine innings. Most players use it to see how well they’re managing innings overall. In practice, you’ll notice that a pitcher with a slightly higher ERA but good strikeout numbers can still be effective in shorter bursts. Tracking ERA over several games is more useful than relying on a single performance.
2. Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio (K/BB)
This ratio is a great way to see control and effectiveness. In general, high strikeouts with low walks mean your pitcher is dominating the strike zone. Most players track this in online games because it usually predicts long-term success better than ERA alone.
3. WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched)
WHIP tells you how many base runners you allow per inning. Players often look at this stat to judge consistency. A pitcher with a low WHIP usually gives you fewer stressful innings, even if their ERA is slightly higher due to occasional bad luck.
Fielding Stats That Matter
1. Fielding Percentage
This is a straightforward stat that measures how often a fielder makes plays without errors. Most players notice that a high fielding percentage doesn’t always mean a player is great at range; it just means they don’t make mistakes. Pair this with other defensive metrics for a clearer picture.
2. Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
DRS is more advanced but extremely useful. It estimates how many runs a fielder prevents compared to an average player at the same position. In practice, players find that good DRS numbers usually mean your infield or outfield positioning and reaction skills are strong.
3. Outs Above Average (OAA)
OAA is another advanced metric that shows how many outs a player makes above what is expected. Most players use this stat to gauge difficult catches or plays where positioning is crucial. It’s not a stat you need to track every game, but checking it occasionally can show whether your defensive skills are improving.
Fun Stats to Track for Personal Progress
Beyond the standard stats, there are a few “fun” metrics that most players find interesting:
Streaks: How long you’ve gone without striking out, or hitting safely in consecutive games. Most players use streaks to challenge themselves rather than measure skill.
Clutch Performance: Tracking how well you hit or pitch in late innings or high-pressure situations. In general, this is more about improving decision-making than raw talent.
Pitch Selection Accuracy: For pitchers, how often you throw the pitch you intended. Most players overlook this stat, but it can highlight mistakes before they affect ERA or WHIP.
Swing Timing: How early or late your swings are relative to the pitch. Most players track this intuitively by watching their contact results, but some use in-game analytics for exact numbers.
For players who are building rosters in Diamond Dynasty or similar modes, tracking stats like these can be especially important. If you want to improve quickly or unlock specific rewards, you might also need to consider in-game resources. For instance, many players purchase MLB The Show 26 stubs to access new players and items faster, which can help them experiment with different lineups and track stats more dynamically.
How to Track Stats Effectively
In general, there are a few ways most players track stats:
In-Game Dashboard: MLB The Show 26 has built-in stat tracking for individual games and season totals. Most players use this to check BA, OBP, ERA, and other basic metrics.
Manual Recording: Some players like to keep a notebook or spreadsheet, especially if they’re tracking advanced stats like DRS or pitch accuracy. This is slower but can give deeper insight.
Online Communities: Player forums and leaderboards often allow you to compare stats and find benchmarks. In practice, seeing how your numbers compare to others can motivate improvement.
Most players find a combination of in-game tracking and occasional manual recording works best. You don’t need to track every stat for every game—focusing on a few key metrics is usually enough to see improvement.
Tracking stats in MLB The Show 26 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Most players use stats to identify trends, adjust strategies, and see tangible improvement over time. For example, if your BA is high but SLG is low, you might focus on timing and aiming for gaps instead of swinging for contact every time. If your ERA is high but WHIP is low, your pitching strategy may need fewer risky pitches.
In general, the key is consistency. Track the stats that matter to you, look for patterns, and adjust your gameplay gradually. Over time, these small adjustments lead to more wins, better performance, and a deeper understanding of the game.
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