Should You Go to College or Go Pro in MLB The Show 25 Road to the Show?

MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a revamped Road to the Show mode. This immersive experience lets you live the dream of becoming a major league baseball star. But the journey begins with a crucial decision: college or the pros? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each path.

Unlike previous iterations, MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show starts you as a high schooler facing a pivotal choice. Major colleges and MLB teams are vying for your signature. The decision comes after your high school season, regardless of whether your team wins the state title. Scouts will be present, evaluating your potential. Between games, you'll learn more about your options, including the teams interested in drafting you. Your performance in high school and the MLB Combine significantly impacts your draft stock and the number of college recruiters.

After the Combine, you commit to a college (or not) and the draft ensues. Even if you choose college, a team will still draft you. MLB The Show 25 presents these options clearly. Here's a sample of the choices presented:

Going Pro:

• Receive a signing bonus of 5 Tokens.
• Reduced chance of fast-tracking to the Major Leagues.
• Begin your pro career as an 18-year-old.

Going to College:

• Receive all benefits of the college's official offer (e.g., LSU).
• Increased chances of becoming a #1 overall draft pick in a future MLB Draft.
• Begin your pro career as a 21-year-old after completing your college career.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference. If you've spent countless seasons grinding through the minor leagues in previous games, college might be a refreshing change. Becoming the #1 overall pick is a significant accomplishment, and starting as a more developed player offers a different experience. However, the challenge of working your way up from the bottom might appeal to others. The college experience isn't overly long, with the game fast-forwarding to your third year during a championship run.

In our experience, college offered the best of both worlds—a chance at a high draft position without an excessively long college career. The game efficiently transitions you to the pros after your junior season.

So, there you have it—a breakdown of the college vs. pro decision in MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show. For more tips and strategies, check out our guide on the best pitching settings.

MLB The Show 25 is available now in Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.