In MLB The Show 25, the college experience plays a pivotal role in shaping a player's career, providing a platform for growth and exposure. The game offers players the opportunity to choose from eight distinct colleges, each with its own strengths and MLB The Show 25 Stubs weaknesses, as well as unique perks that can significantly impact a player's journey in the Road to the Show mode. Whether you’re focused on refining your skills, building exposure, or seeking the best fit for your specific playstyle, the college you choose will influence your path to the big leagues.
In this article, we’ll break down and rank all eight available colleges in MLB The Show 25, offering a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing your college team. We will assess each college based on their exposure, skill development, and special perks, ranking them from best to least favorable.
MLB The Show 25 College Team Ranking: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Cal State Fullerton Titans
Overview
The Cal State Fullerton Titans are renowned for their storied history in college baseball. With alumni like Justin Turner and Matt Chapman, the Titans have a legacy of producing major league talent. Despite a few years of underperformance, the Titans are poised for a comeback and remain one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
Strengths
Exposure: Cal State Fullerton is known for its competitive edge, meaning players have an excellent chance of being showcased to scouts and other teams.
Skill Development: The Titans offer full stars in skill development, allowing players to maximize their potential while at college.
Perks: The Contact perk is a standout feature of this team, providing players with a significant advantage in terms of hitting consistency and plate discipline.
Why They Top the List
Fullerton’s combination of historical prominence, exposure, and comprehensive skill development puts them at the top of the list. Their strong lineup of alumni and the Contact perk makes this team an ideal choice for players focused on refining their offensive abilities and gaining national exposure.
2. Tennessee Volunteers
Overview
The Tennessee Volunteers, operating out of Knoxville, have built an impressive baseball program that boasts strong exposure and skill development. Known for their ability to compete at the highest levels, Tennessee is a strong contender in both college and pro baseball.
Strengths
Exposure: Playing for Tennessee guarantees a high level of exposure, placing you on a national stage.
Skill Development: The Volunteers offer solid skill development, giving players the chance to round out their abilities in multiple facets of the game.
Perks: The Contact perk is available here, helping players develop better consistency at the plate, making them a strong offensive team.
Why They’re Ranked Second
Tennessee’s reputation for producing professional talent and their solid overall development makes them a top-tier option. The added benefit of the Contact perk helps players focus on perfecting their hitting approach, making the Volunteers a great choice for those aiming to climb the ranks in the Road to the Show.
3. LSU Tigers
Overview
Coming off a recent championship win, LSU’s baseball program is one of the most storied in the country. With a history that includes names like Paul Skenes and other top draft picks, LSU has become synonymous with success and talent development.
Strengths
Exposure: LSU offers fantastic exposure, ensuring that your player will be under the spotlight in a big way.
Skill Development: While LSU doesn’t excel in all areas of skill development, they do offer a competitive edge in offensive aspects.
Perks: LSU’s Gold Power perk is perfect for players looking to focus on power-hitting and slugging. This perk provides a solid foundation for players who want to make a significant impact on the scoreboard.
Why They’re Ranked Third
While LSU’s skill development may not be as balanced as other teams, their exposure and Gold Power perk are hard to beat. LSU is an ideal choice for players who want to focus on raw power and increase their chances of being drafted by major league teams.
4. Texas Longhorns
Overview
With a history of six national championships and a wealth of MLB alumni like Roger Clemens, the Texas Longhorns are a powerhouse program. Known for their tradition of excellence, the Longhorns offer a great blend of skill development and exposure.
Strengths
Exposure: The Longhorns’ name alone guarantees high exposure, and scouts are sure to be watching.
Skill Development: Texas offers solid development in key areas but doesn’t have the same overall rating as some of the top-tier schools.
Perks: The Gold Defense perk is unique to Texas, making it a great choice for players who want to focus on their defensive skills.
Why They’re Ranked Fourth
While Texas is an elite program, their focus on defense over offense and their slightly lower skill development rating push them to the fourth spot. However, for players who want to focus on becoming a well-rounded defender, Texas is a great pick.
5. TCU Horned Frogs
Overview
The TCU Horned Frogs have made a name for themselves in recent years, thanks to their exceptional skill development and a strong history of producing top-tier talent. Players like Nick Lodolo and Jake Arrieta have come through the TCU program, proving that the Horned Frogs know how to develop major league-caliber athletes.
Strengths
Exposure: TCU’s exposure is solid, though not quite on the level of schools like LSU or Texas.
Skill Development: The Horned Frogs excel in skill development, offering players the ability to rapidly improve across multiple areas of their game.
Perks: The Power perk is a standout feature for TCU, helping players enhance their offensive power, especially when combined with their skill development.
Why They’re Ranked Fifth
TCU is a strong choice for players who value skill development, but their lower exposure rating compared to the top teams limits their appeal. Still, the combination of Power perk and excellent development makes them an attractive option.
6. South Carolina Gamecocks
Overview
The South Carolina Gamecocks have a rich history in college baseball, with back-to-back championships under their belt. Known for their strong all-around play, South Carolina is a well-rounded program that offers a balanced approach to player development.
Strengths
Exposure: South Carolina offers solid exposure, helping players get noticed on the national stage.
Skill Development: The Gamecocks provide a balanced approach to skill development, ensuring players grow in multiple areas.
Perks: Like many other top programs, South Carolina offers the Contact perk, helping players improve their batting consistency.
Why They’re Ranked Sixth
South Carolina is a great choice for players who want a balanced college experience, with both exposure and development opportunities. However, their perks are more general and don’t offer the same specialized advantages as other teams, which places them lower on the ranking.
7. UCLA Bruins
Overview
UCLA’s baseball program has a storied history, including a national championship in 2013. The Bruins are known for their strong pitching and solid all-around play, having produced stars like Gerrit Cole.
Strengths
Exposure: UCLA’s exposure is competitive but not as high as some of the other top teams.
Skill Development: The Bruins offer great pitching development but may not be the best for players looking to develop their offensive game.
Perks: The Speed perk is UCLA’s standout feature, making it a great choice for players who value base running and defensive speed.
Why They’re Ranked Seventh
UCLA’s focus on pitching and speed gives them a unique edge, but their lower overall exposure and less balanced development push them to the seventh spot.
8. Vanderbilt Commodores
Overview
Vanderbilt is widely recognized as one of the best college baseball programs, producing MLB superstars like Dansby Swanson. While their program offers a lot of opportunities, it falls short in a few key areas compared to the other top programs.
Strengths
Exposure: Vanderbilt has a strong reputation, but their exposure isn’t quite on par with schools like LSU or Texas.
Skill Development: Vanderbilt provides decent skill development, but not as much as the top-tier teams.
Perks: Their Gold Perk package is appealing, but it’s not as impactful as the perks offered by other programs.
Why They’re Ranked Eighth
Vanderbilt is a solid choice but doesn’t have the same exposure or skill development as other schools, making them a more situational pick depending on your player’s focus.
Conclusion: Choosing Your College Team
When it comes to selecting a college in MLB Stubs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each program offers different strengths, and the right choice for you will depend on your priorities as a player. Whether you’re looking for exposure, skill development, or specific perks, this ranking should give you the insight you need to make an informed decision. Consider what aspects of your player’s growth are most important to you and choose the college that best aligns with those goals. Good luck in your Road to the Show journey!