Should You Choose College or the Big Leagues in MLB The Show 25 Road to the Show?
In a twist from earlier versions, MLB The Show 25 places you in the role of a high school standout preparing to make a life-changing decision. With scouts from top colleges and major league teams showing interest, the pressure is on—you can only choose one path.
The journey begins during your final year of high school as your team makes a push for the state championship. Regardless of how far your team goes, talent evaluators will be watching closely. Between games, you'll get insight into the opportunities ahead, including which programs are recruiting you and which teams are considering you for the draft.
Your performance on the field—along with your showing at the MLB Combine—will influence your draft stock and the number of college offers you receive. After the Combine, you'll officially commit to a school, and the draft will proceed. Even if you're leaning toward college, a pro team might still select you, setting the stage for your big decision.
Here’s what you can expect based on the options presented in-game:
If I Go Pro:
- Receive a signing bonus of 5 Tokens
- Reduced chance of being fast-tracked to the Major Leagues
- Begin professional career as an 18-year-old
If I Go To College:
- Receive all benefits included in LSU’s official offer
- Opportunity to become the #1 overall pick in a future MLB Draft
- Begin professional career as a 21-year-old, after completing your college career
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and playstyle. If you've grown tired of grinding through the minors season after season, choosing college could offer a refreshing alternative. Being selected as the top pick brings a sense of prestige and sets you up for a more accelerated path to the majors.
On the flip side, if you're eager to dive right into the professional scene and don’t mind starting from the bottom, going pro immediately gives you that authentic underdog experience.
For many, college offers the best of both worlds. Not only do you avoid spending four full years in the collegiate ranks, but the game fast-forwards to your third year during a championship run. That means you enjoy key moments without getting bogged down by repetitive gameplay, and you return to the professional path more prepared and highly sought after.
If you're looking to maximize your potential and enjoy a dynamic storytelling experience, choosing college may be the more rewarding route. But for those who crave the raw challenge of climbing the ranks from the very start, turning pro is the way to go.
Either way, MLB The Show 25 delivers a deeply engaging narrative that reflects real-life decisions faced by young athletes everywhere.
MLB The Show 25 is now available in Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
