MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Amazins

Syndergaard Hit Hard, Mets Lose Game 1
October 2, 2023

It took five pitches for the Mets to be on their heels. After a four-pitch walk, including a questionable ball four, LF Jessie Winker took Syndergaard's very next pitch to deep right center field, giving the visiting Marlins a 2-0 lead.

The Marlins would tack on another run in the top of the 3rd before the Mets got on the board. Syndergaard, determined to help his own cause, drove a double in the left-center gap. The next batter, 2B Gene Worley, brought him home with a single down the left field line. A Michael Conforto HR in the bottom of the fourth would make the game 3-2, but it was the closest the Mets would get.

Syndergaard was removed in the next half inning, and his replacement, Robert Gsellman, would give up two run-scoring hits before recording the final out of the inning. Each team would tack on a few more runs, but the Mets never got within striking distance again, losing Game 1 8-5.

RF Miguel Sano paced the Marlins, going 4-5 with two doubles, a home run, and an RBI.

Syndergaard's final line: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K --- Not what you want out of your Ace in Game 1.

Game 1 was the perfect encapsulation of why we were worried heading into the playoffs. Our Ace didn't perform, and now the pressure mounts on the guys behind him in the rotation. And it's a short rotation, at that (and feeling shorter by the day). Not only that, but Gsellman seems to have brought his struggles with him into the postseason. You have to wonder if he sees the rubber again in any meaningful juncture during the playoffs.

Game 2 will feature Walker Buehler v Irwin Shuler (10-11, 4.72 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 155 K in 164 IP)

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals 2026 Opening Day Roster

I decided instead of trying to update as to what has happened, I would just start with where I'm at and bypass all the offseason and spring training happenings


The Cardinals have finalized their 2026 opening day roster.

Rotation

Kyle Funkhouser
Jack Flaherty
Michael Wacha
Josh Rogers (L)
Junior Fernandez

Bullpen

Carlos Martinez
Zack Burdi
Jordan Hicks
Ryan Helsley
Jonny Venters (L)
Corey Littrell (L)
Tyler Jay (L)

Closer

Roberto Osuna


Lineup

CF - Harrison Bader
SS - Samuel Franco
1B - Brendan McKay
LF - Juan Fabregas
RF - Dylan Carlson
3B - Nolan Gorman
C - Devon Snow
2B - Kolten Wong
P - Pitcher Spot

Bench

C - Andrew Knizner
IF - Paul DeJong
IF - Tommy Edman
OF - Eddie Ortiz
OF - C.J. McElroy


The Cardinals debated on Chris Taylor and Paul DeJong as the 2nd infielder to Tommy Edman, but went with DeJong simply because he had the better spring. They also debated on whether to keep Dakota Hudson on the roster, but elected to let him start at Memphis as he is recovering from an elbow injury in 2025 and his production in the spring declined as Spring Training progressed.

Manager Mike Matheny may still tinker with the lineup as the season gets underway, as he isn't 100% comfortable with Carlson hitting 5th, but with Franco cracking the lineup and proving to be a great handler of the bat this spring that allowed them to be aggressive with hit and runs when Bader was on base, Carlson, Gorman, and Snow are likely to be rotated thru the 5-7 spots. Wong will once again hit 8th as for the 2nd year in a row he led the majors in walks drawn, so his ability to turn the lineup over is a huge asset for this club.

Don't be surprised if Eddie Ortiz doesn't replace Dylan Carlson in right field early in the season as he had a phenomenal spring, but the Matheny will give Carlson a chance to stick in the everyday lineup after a great 2025 campaign and his upside. But he is better suited to hit 2nd in this lineup or 7th, so we'll see how things play out during the first month of the season.

The Cardinals will begin the 2026 season in Cincinnati against the Reds.

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Amazins

Three Run 8th Helps Mets Avoid Disaster
October 3, 2023

This game started eerily similar to Game 1, as the Mets were down 2-0 before ever coming up to bat. Walker Buehler allowed the first four men he faced to reach base, including an RBI double to Miguel Sano. A bases loaded double play helped him escape with just two runs allowed, and extended his night.

After the first inning, Buehler settled in nicely, striking out four in a row at one point before being removed in the 5th inning after a Jessie Winker RBI single.

NL ROY Eloy Jimenez crushed a 1-0 cutter to left-center field to get the Mets on the board in the top of the second inning. That, and a Walker Buehler single in the third, was the only offense the Mets could muster until the 8th inning.

Entering the 8th inning down 3-1, Michael Conforto and Rafael Devers drew back to back walks off Blake Treinen. A batter later, Jimenez delivered an RBI single to cut the defecit to 3-2. Treinen would issue another walk, loading the bases, before being pulled.

Veteran backstop Jonathan Lucroy would hit a sac fly to deep center field to tie the game, and then Richard Urena, who replaced injured Gene Worley at 2B in the second inning, would drive home the go-ahead run with an RBI single. Braxton Davidson was thrown out at the plate trying to extend the lead.

RHP Julio Alvarez would close the door with a 1-2-3 9th inning, knotting up the series at one game a piece.

Worley, who gave way to Urena's heroics when he was injured on a diving play in the second inning, only suffered a strained shoulder, and is hopeful to be available by Game 4.

The Mets head to Miami for Game 3, which features a matchup between Dave Monahan and veteran-lefty Jose Quintana.

Monahan is in his first full year as a starter and is being asked to deliver in a big spot. We're considering this a must-win, as we're not sure where to turn for Game 4. DeGrom will probably get the nod by default.

[dbjets24]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Amazins

Three Run 8th Helps Mets Avoid Disaster
October 3, 2023

This game started eerily similar to Game 1, as the Mets were down 2-0 before ever coming up to bat. Walker Buehler allowed the first four men he faced to reach base, including an RBI double to Miguel Sano. A bases loaded double play helped him escape with just two runs allowed, and extended his night.

After the first inning, Buehler settled in nicely, striking out four in a row at one point before being removed in the 5th inning after a Jessie Winker RBI single.

NL ROY Eloy Jimenez crushed a 1-0 cutter to left-center field to get the Mets on the board in the top of the second inning. That, and a Walker Buehler single in the third, was the only offense the Mets could muster until the 8th inning.

Entering the 8th inning down 3-1, Michael Conforto and Rafael Devers drew back to back walks off Blake Treinen. A batter later, Jimenez delivered an RBI single to cut the defecit to 3-2. Treinen would issue another walk, loading the bases, before being pulled.

Veteran backstop Jonathan Lucroy would hit a sac fly to deep center field to tie the game, and then Richard Urena, who replaced injured Gene Worley at 2B in the second inning, would drive home the go-ahead run with an RBI single. Braxton Davidson was thrown out at the plate trying to extend the lead.

RHP Julio Alvarez would close the door with a 1-2-3 9th inning, knotting up the series at one game a piece.

Worley, who gave way to Urena's heroics when he was injured on a diving play in the second inning, only suffered a strained shoulder, and is hopeful to be available by Game 4.

The Mets head to Miami for Game 3, which features a matchup between Dave Monahan and veteran-lefty Jose Quintana.

Monahan is in his first full year as a starter and is being asked to deliver in a big spot. We're considering this a must-win, as we're not sure where to turn for Game 4. DeGrom will probably get the nod by default.

Have you played this entire franchise in 20? Or are you doing carry over saves?

I like the team overall seems like it would be a lot of fun!

[SamC24167]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

i know im prolly late to this and youve probably already said this but i was curious as to what year game did you start this carryover? it has been really fun to read and keep up with.

Cardinals 2026 Opening Day Roster

I decided instead of trying to update as to what has happened, I would just start with where I'm at and bypass all the offseason and spring training happenings


The Cardinals have finalized their 2026 opening day roster.

Rotation

Kyle Funkhouser
Jack Flaherty
Michael Wacha
Josh Rogers (L)
Junior Fernandez

Bullpen

Carlos Martinez
Zack Burdi
Jordan Hicks
Ryan Helsley
Jonny Venters (L)
Corey Littrell (L)
Tyler Jay (L)

Closer

Roberto Osuna


Lineup

CF - Harrison Bader
SS - Samuel Franco
1B - Brendan McKay
LF - Juan Fabregas
RF - Dylan Carlson
3B - Nolan Gorman
C - Devon Snow
2B - Kolten Wong
P - Pitcher Spot

Bench

C - Andrew Knizner
IF - Paul DeJong
IF - Tommy Edman
OF - Eddie Ortiz
OF - C.J. McElroy


The Cardinals debated on Chris Taylor and Paul DeJong as the 2nd infielder to Tommy Edman, but went with DeJong simply because he had the better spring. They also debated on whether to keep Dakota Hudson on the roster, but elected to let him start at Memphis as he is recovering from an elbow injury in 2025 and his production in the spring declined as Spring Training progressed.

Manager Mike Matheny may still tinker with the lineup as the season gets underway, as he isn't 100% comfortable with Carlson hitting 5th, but with Franco cracking the lineup and proving to be a great handler of the bat this spring that allowed them to be aggressive with hit and runs when Bader was on base, Carlson, Gorman, and Snow are likely to be rotated thru the 5-7 spots. Wong will once again hit 8th as for the 2nd year in a row he led the majors in walks drawn, so his ability to turn the lineup over is a huge asset for this club.

Don't be surprised if Eddie Ortiz doesn't replace Dylan Carlson in right field early in the season as he had a phenomenal spring, but the Matheny will give Carlson a chance to stick in the everyday lineup after a great 2025 campaign and his upside. But he is better suited to hit 2nd in this lineup or 7th, so we'll see how things play out during the first month of the season.

The Cardinals will begin the 2026 season in Cincinnati against the Reds.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

i know im prolly late to this and youve probably already said this but i was curious as to what year game did you start this carryover? it has been really fun to read and keep up with.

Started with MLB '16.

Thanks for the kind words and for following!

[Godgers12]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Do you guys determine who to call up through the minors AA->AAA->MLB strictly by stats, or do you just go by ratings, or a combination of both? Me, I look at a combination of the two. If they're a 70+ and at least a B pot and at least 20 yo I'll likely look to promote them to AAA when there's an opening. UNLESS they're struggling mightily, or regressing at AA. Also, if they're older for AA, between 22-25, and are in the mid to upper 60's and are dominating, say a reliever with a 0.75 ERA with 12 K/9 or something similar, I call them to AAA. When determining who to call to the big club. If an older AAAA or career minor leaguer type is putting up great stats saya slash line of 280/350/600/950, with 15+ HR, and I have an opening on the big league club due to injury or trade I'll consider giving him the call unless I deem a top prospect is ready. If a top prospect is a 75+ and putting up great stats I'll look at giving him the call.

Conversely if a young player is struggling at the MLB level regardless of his OVR, I'll send him down. I once sent Brusdar Graderol to AAA in my Mariners franchise because his ERA was over 6 in 50+ innings and was an 86 OVR at the time, however, his struggles led to him regressing. Furthermore, He dominated AAA, 0.72 ERA in almost 50 innings with a K/9 over 15. Also, his progression got back on track and I called him back up. He ended the season with a 4.11 ERA and 210 K'S in 165 innings.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

[SamC24167]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Started with MLB '16.

Thanks for the kind words and for following!

no problem im a die hard cards fan seeing i live 10 mins from busch on the illinois side so love seeing the Cards do good and since i know the players its always more fun

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Do you guys determine who to call up through the minors AA->AAA->MLB strictly by stats, or do you just go by ratings, or a combination of both? Me, I look at a combination of the two. If they're a 70+ and at least a B pot and at least 20 yo I'll likely look to promote them to AAA when there's an opening. UNLESS they're struggling mightily, or regressing at AA. Also, if they're older for AA, between 22-25, and are in the mid to upper 60's and are dominating, say a reliever with a 0.75 ERA with 12 K/9 or something similar, I call them to AAA. When determining who to call to the big club. If an older AAAA or career minor leaguer type is putting up great stats saya slash line of 280/350/600/950, with 15+ HR, and I have an opening on the big league club due to injury or trade I'll consider giving him the call unless I deem a top prospect is ready. If a top prospect is a 75+ and putting up great stats I'll look at giving him the call.

Conversely if a young player is struggling at the MLB level regardless of his OVR, I'll send him down. I once sent Brusdar Graderol to AAA in my Mariners franchise because his ERA was over 6 in 50+ innings and was an 86 OVR at the time, however, his struggles led to him regressing. Furthermore, He dominated AAA, 0.72 ERA in almost 50 innings with a K/9 over 15. Also, his progression got back on track and I called him back up. He ended the season with a 4.11 ERA and 210 K'S in 165 innings.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

For me its 100% by stats/production as I don't pay attention to ratings. The only time I pay attention to ratings is when determining a player's weaknesses to focus training on. Other than that, I make decisions simply on stats alone.

[SamC24167]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

i focus on stats , its the only clear way to see what kind of player they really are,some guys with low ratings are do really well and some with high ratings do really bad . So the best way is by stats i would say

Do you guys determine who to call up through the minors AA->AAA->MLB strictly by stats, or do you just go by ratings, or a combination of both? Me, I look at a combination of the two. If they're a 70+ and at least a B pot and at least 20 yo I'll likely look to promote them to AAA when there's an opening. UNLESS they're struggling mightily, or regressing at AA. Also, if they're older for AA, between 22-25, and are in the mid to upper 60's and are dominating, say a reliever with a 0.75 ERA with 12 K/9 or something similar, I call them to AAA. When determining who to call to the big club. If an older AAAA or career minor leaguer type is putting up great stats saya slash line of 280/350/600/950, with 15+ HR, and I have an opening on the big league club due to injury or trade I'll consider giving him the call unless I deem a top prospect is ready. If a top prospect is a 75+ and putting up great stats I'll look at giving him the call.

Conversely if a young player is struggling at the MLB level regardless of his OVR, I'll send him down. I once sent Brusdar Graderol to AAA in my Mariners franchise because his ERA was over 6 in 50+ innings and was an 86 OVR at the time, however, his struggles led to him regressing. Furthermore, He dominated AAA, 0.72 ERA in almost 50 innings with a K/9 over 15. Also, his progression got back on track and I called him back up. He ended the season with a 4.11 ERA and 210 K'S in 165 innings.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Godgers12]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

i focus on stats , its the only clear way to see what kind of player they really are,some guys with low ratings are do really well and some with high ratings do really bad . So the best way is by stats i would say

Yeah I find that the rating to really look at for pitchers is H/9, I've seen 90 ovr pitchers with H/9 in the 50's, have 5+ ERA seasons, and 75 ovr guys with H/9 85+ have sub 3 ERA seasons. For hitters I find it's vision...

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Have you played this entire franchise in 20? Or are you doing carry over saves?

I like the team overall seems like it would be a lot of fun!

It's a carryover save from '16. By far my best gaming experience - building this team and playing every pitch (for the most part).

[Jayyoungjr]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

The newly crowned Cubs had many questions going into the off-season. Two crucial bats we’re nearing the end of their service time contracts, with Kyle Schwarber due to hit the free-agent market and Wilson Contreras up for his final year of arbitration. The Cubs also face questions in the bullpen, last year the front office decided to roll the dice and bring back morrow Nate Jones and Andrew Miller.The Cubs face the same dilemma of whether to let the aging arms go and hit the mark at work to bring back these pictures are in their mid-30s to see if they could to father time for one more season. The Cubs first that out to sign Kyle schwarber and offered him a 5 year deal worth 118 million The leftfielder did not sign during the exclusive free agent period in chose to field other offers but he did ultimately resign with the Cubs. The Cubs negotiated with Wilson Contreras but we’re unable to agree to terms and the club decided to offer arbitration and look to make a long-term deal in spring training. Rowan Wick showed the club enough in the send half of the season for the Cubs to decide to let morrow and Jones walk. The north siders signed Miller to a one year deal with a player and club option. Back up catcher was also retained via arbitration.

Jon Lester decided to not retire at seasons end but the front office decided against signing the veteran after announcing they would not gurantee his spot in the rotation and would rather let the final spot play out in spring training. The Cubs had 4 starters set going into the 2022 season with Hendricks darvish Oscar colas and Alex wood. The club planned on having colas the 2 way player pitch Sundays and having a 5 man rotation with at least one arm to act as a swing man/ 6 starter. That left youngest Oscar De la cruz A.J. Puk and Brailyn Marquez to fight over the final 2 spots. While they were big names on the marketThe Cubs chose not to pursue any of them as they were mindful that signing Willson Contreras and a big-name arm would lead to a budget shortfall down the road.

The Cubs worked on retaining key members of their bench as the brought back Dee Gordon and Ben Revere. Rookie out fielder Brennen Davis had showed glimples that he may be ready to take over in center field but decided to play it safe and see if he could beat out the veterans.

The Cubs sat out the flurry of free agency for much of the off-season until after the winter meetings. Justin Verlander had a sub par season by his standards and the Cubs pulled the trigger on signing the pitcher to a 2 year deal with a club option. The Cubs wrapped up the the off season by bring in 3rd basemen Justin Turner as he took a bench role as he looked to win a ring with a contenders

Notable losses:
SP Jon Lester (signed with mariners)
RP Nate Jones (Brewers)
Brandon Morrow (royals)


Notable signings:
Justin Verlander
Justin Turner

2022 Payroll - 206 million

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Amazins

Another Comeback Win Puts Mets In Driver's Seat
October 5, 2023

The Mets took an early lead, but found themselves behind once again in the later innings of Game 3. Down 2-1 in the top of the 9th, the bats finally woke up and drove in six runs to claim a 7-2 Mets victory.

It was Eloy Jimenez with a one out RBI double that tied the game. Richard Urena, who got the start at 2B in place of injured Gene Worley, had a go-ahead RBI double himself a batter later. It was Urena's second go-ahead RBI in the last two games.

Urena spent a large portion of this season starting at 2B for the oft-injured Worley, and is likely in line for the starting SS spot when Amed Rosario inevitably leaves in free agency after this season. His clutch performance so far this postseason is a big reason why the Mets haven't already been eliminated. For the most part, the Marlins have dominated this series, and save for some timely offense on the Mets' part, this series would likely be over.

It's Jacob deGrom's ball in Game 4. He'll take on Tyler Kolek as the Mets look to close out the series. Kolek started the Wild Card Game against the Nationals, pitching five innings and giving up two runs, while throwing eight strikeouts, a game the Marlins won 6-3.

[snakes2007]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Hey all, I’m not new to the forum I used to have an account but forgot the information. I just picked up MLB the show 20 and needed some help from the forum regarding franchise mode. I’ve played since ‘15 and have mostly done RTTS and franchise so it’s not new to me but I’m struggling on what team to control.

For the record, I do use 30 team control, HOF difficulty and custom sliders. I also have the popular minors roster found in vault (the name escapes me but it’s fantastic). I’ve done franchises with the Marlins, A’s, and Mets in the past. I use quick manage for a lot of games but will usually play a part in every game (this makes things go faster while I also have control over decisions made in game). I try to follow real life team budgets and play realistically regarding trades.

I wanted to hear your thoughts on some fun teams to control in the American Leage. Some that you’ve had good experiences with. Open to all ideas. I certainly don’t mind a challenge. Glad to be back on Operation Sports. Good health to all of you.