Mastering the bullpen in MLB The Show 25 is one of the most underrated ways to stay competitive in tough games. While many focus on hitting or starting pitchers, it’s the bullpen that often determines the outcome in clutch situations. If you want to shut down opposing hitters in late innings, these 17 bullpen tips will help you lock down leads and keep the scoreboard clean.

1. Understand Each Reliever’s Strengths

Don’t just look at overall ratings. Know whether a pitcher thrives on velocity, break, or control. Use flamethrowers for punch-outs and control pitchers for critical matchups.

2. Warm Up Early

One of the most common mistakes is warming up too late. Get your bullpen going at least an inning in advance, especially if your starter’s pitch count is climbing.

3. Match Lefty vs Lefty, Righty vs Righty

Situational matchups still matter. If your opponent loads the lineup with lefties, bring in a southpaw who can exploit those weaknesses.

4. Use Setup Men Strategically

Don’t burn your best reliever in the seventh unless you absolutely need to. Let your setup man handle lower-leverage situations so your closer is fresh.

5. Monitor Confidence and Energy

A reliever with low confidence will leave pitches over the plate. Keep an eye on both confidence and stamina to avoid risky outings.

6. Master the Pitch Repertoire

Each reliever has a different arsenal. Spend time learning how to mix fastballs, sliders, and changeups to keep hitters guessing.

7. Pitch to Contact When Needed

Not every reliever is a strikeout artist. Sometimes it’s smarter to induce grounders or pop-ups, especially with runners on base.

8. Don't Overuse Your Closer

It's tempting to throw your closer every game, but overuse leads to fatigue. Rotate relievers or invest in multiple high-leverage arms.

9. Avoid Predictable Sequences

Don’t fall into a rhythm of fastball-slider-repeat. Vary pitch selection and timing to avoid giving hitters a pattern to sit on.

10. Utilize Long Relievers

When your starter gets shelled early, long relievers can bridge the gap without wasting key bullpen arms. Keep one ready in your rotation.

11. Quick Hook Strategy

If a reliever starts missing spots or gets rattled, pull them fast. Letting them “work through it” often leads to disaster.

12. Control the Running Game

Some relievers are slow to the plate. Pay attention to your opponent’s baserunning tendencies and mix in pickoffs or slide steps.

13. Use Mound Visits Wisely

A simple mound visit can boost confidence just enough to get through a jam. Don’t forget this feature exists.

14. Invest in Bullpen Depth

Strong bullpens often cost more in Diamond Dynasty. If you're trying to build one, you’ll likely need to buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs to afford elite relievers. Sites like U4N, known as one of the best places to buy stubs MLB The Show 25, can help you get the cards you need.

15. Scouting Your Opponent

Use the batter’s stats and tendencies to inform your pitch selection. If a hitter struggles with sliders away, lean into it.

16. Utilize Parallel Boosts

Leveling up your bullpen arms gives them a real advantage. Parallel progressions boost attributes and give you an edge in late-game situations.

17. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Bullpen work is mental. Whether it's closing out the 9th or cleaning up a bases-loaded mess, keep your focus. Don’t let one bad pitch unravel everything.

The bullpen is more than just a backup plan—it’s your late-game shield. Mastering bullpen management in MLB The Show 25 means understanding timing, matchups, pitch selection, and energy management. If you want to stay competitive, make your bullpen a priority.

And when it comes to strengthening your roster, don’t overlook the option to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs. Reliable platforms like U4N, often cited as the best place to buy stubs MLB The Show 25, can provide the extra edge you need to fill out your pen with top-tier arms.