Controls for MLB The Show 24

by Fernando / Game Guides, General Guides / 05 Apr 2024

MLB The Show 24, undoubtedly the best baseball game to date, just landed on March 15, 2024. And what it brings to the table is, as usual top notch graphics combined with even better gameplay. Plus, for the first time in baseball video game lore, MLB The Show 24 introduces a career mode featuring female players, called Road to the Show: Women Pave Their Way. In this guide we’re set to provide you with all the essential controls you need to master the game on Xbox, Playstation, & Nintendo Switch:

PlayStation Controls

Hitting the Ball

Standard Swing: Tap X for a classic swing.

Precision Swing: Hit O for a carefully targeted swing.

Mighty Swing: Smash the Square button for a powerful blast.

Bunting Techniques

Sacrifice Bunt: Press and hold Triangle early to set up a sacrifice bunt.

Sneaky Drag Bunt: Press Triangle late for a cunning drag bunt.

Plate Coverage

Aiming: Use the Left Stick to position your swing.

Advanced Batting

Standard Analog Swing: Flick the Right Stick Up for a normal swing.

Guided Contact Swing: Move the Right Stick Left or Right for a precision hit.

Forceful Power Swing: Drag the Right Stick Down, then flick Up for a home run swing.

Preparing Your Swing

Queue Standard Swing: Hit X before the pitch to get ready.

Queue Contact Swing: Press O before the pitch for a focused swing.

Queue Power Swing: Prepare for a hefty hit by pressing Square before the pitch.

On The Mound

Picking Your Pitch: Select your pitch type with X, O, Square, Triangle, or R1.

Pitch Placement: Aim with the Left Stick.

Initiate Pitch: Start with X and stop the meter precisely with X for both peak and accuracy.

Fielding Dynamics

Player Movement: Guide players with the Left Stick.

Quick Switch: Change to the nearest player using L2.

Throwing: Use X, O, Triangle, and Square for strategic throws to the bases.

Base Running

Managing Runners: Point the Left Stick towards any runner to select them.

Strategic Advance: Combine Left Stick direction with O, Triangle, or Square for nuanced base running.

Steal Bases: Press L2 to steal, holding and releasing at the right moment.

Fielding Mastery

Jump/Dive: Leverage the Right Stick to jump or dive, crucial for catching high balls or stopping grounders.

Jump: Press R2 to leap for those out-of-reach balls, saving potential hits.

Dive: R1 is your go-to for diving towards grounders or low-flying balls.

Base Running Tactics

Stop Runner: Halt your runner’s advance by pressing R2, crucial for preventing unnecessary outs.

Return Individual Runner: To send a runner back, press R1 and use the Left Stick to point them towards their original base.

Lead Off / Advance All Runners: L1 moves all your runners at once, perfect for when you’re looking to score big.

Steal All Runners: Hold and release L2 to attempt a steal with every base runner, adding pressure on the defense.

Return All Runners: Press R1 to quickly recall all your runners, a safe play in case of a caught fly ball or a sudden change in play.

Xbox Controls

Batting Basics

Simple Swing: Press A for the fundamental swing.

Targeted Swing: Use B for a swing with intent.

Powerful Swing: Go for glory with X for a power hit.

Bunt Plays

Sacrifice Bunt: Hold Y early to lay down a sacrifice bunt.

Crafty Drag Bunt: Press Y late to execute a drag bunt.

Bat Control

Swing Aiming: Position your bat with the Left Stick.

Advanced Hitting

Basic Analog Swing: A straightforward swing with the Right Stick Up.

Controlled Contact Swing: Guide your swing with the Right Stick Left or Right.

Dominant Power Swing: Charge your swing by pulling the Right Stick Down, then flicking it Up.

Swing Setup

Ready Standard Swing: Press A before the pitch to gear up.

Ready Contact Swing: Hit B before the pitch for a strategic swing.

Ready Power Swing: Set up for a powerful strike with X before the pitch comes in.

Pitching Process

Selecting Pitch: Choose your pitch with A, B, X, Y, or RB.

Locating Your Pitch: Direct with the Left Stick.

Delivery: Kick off your pitch with A and ensure precision stops with A.

Defensive Maneuvers

Moving Players: Navigate the field with the Left Stick.

Quick Player Change: Switch instantly using LT.

Base Throws: Employ A, B, Y, and X for throws to each base accordingly.

Base Management

Runner Selection: Direct the Left Stick towards your runner of choice.

Advanced Runner Moves: Blend Left Stick direction with B, Y, or X for smart base advances.

Stealing Insight: Steal with finesse by holding and releasing LT at the perfect moment.

Defensive Strategies

Jump/Dive: Use the Right Stick to make your fielder jump or dive, key actions for defensive plays.

Jump: RT allows your fielder to jump, catching balls that are high or close to the fences.

Dive: With RB, your fielder can dive towards the ball, essential for stopping hits that are just within reach.

Base Running Insights

Stop Runner: Press RT to immediately stop any advancing runner, avoiding potential outs.

Return Individual Runner: Use RB and the Left Stick directed towards their base to return a runner, helping avoid pick-offs.

Lead Off / Advance All Runners: Activate all runners with LB, a strategic move for maximizing scoring opportunities.

Steal All Runners: Engage a steal for all your runners by holding and releasing LT, challenging the defense to react quickly.

Return All Runners: RB commands all runners to retreat to their bases, minimizing the risk of getting caught out on a fly ball.

Nintendo Switch Controls