MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

[kinsmen7]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

Another thought I've had and am currently thinking about once again as I debate picking up a copy of 24... has anybody ever suggested / heard from SDS/SIE that they'd consider making the start of the off-season a starting point? For so many of us that love to play Franchise mode, the off-season is actually our #1 opportunity to impact our rosters, so I know it'd be of interest. Plus, it could incentivize a second surge of sales around this time of year, so it'd be advantageous from that perspective as well.

It's a tough time to start a franchise right now, with 4 months of league-altering transactions about to start. If you can detach yourself from trying to mimic real-life movement, and want to settle into a multi-season franchise, here's my suggestion.

-Find a good end of the season roster in the vault, and download it.
-Start your franchise.
-Turn CPU trading to manual (30 team control).
-Sim year 1 (I do participate in the draft, just because I enjoy it).
-Flip the CPU trading back on.
-Start your actual franchise from day 1 of the offseason (present day).

Edit: One thing that I want to add here...don't stress too much about "overall" ratings. Games have pushed the narrative that you need the highest rated players to have the best teams. While having a team of Mike Trout's or Juan Soto's is inevitably going to going to be better than having a team of mediocre players, constructing your roster to suit the way you actually play the game will lead to success.

I've had high 80's players who have been severely outperformed by high 60's guys, and it just makes it that much more enjoyable. In my 4-year Rockies franchise, my top prospect when I shut the game down was an 82, and he wasn't anywhere close to grabbing a roster spot because he was still hitting .200 in AA after 4 years of development. At the same time, Willy Castro, who started as a 68ish overall, was a 3 time 25+ homer guy for me (he maxed out with 36 in year 3).

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

2025 Chicago Cubs 05/09-05/11

Overall Record:27-14 3.0 Over Cincinnati)

Game Results

Game 1
Cubs-9
Padres-1

Game 2
Padres-4
Cubs-2

Game 3
Cubs-7
Padres-3

Soto and...Naylor power surges keep series win streak alive for Cubs

Juan Soto has now homered in four straight games and twice in the Cubs' two wins agaisnt the Padres in their most recent series. That, although amazing, could be expected from Juan Soto, one of the MLB's top hitters.

The same probably wouldnt be said about Bo Naylor who homered in both the second and third games agaisnt the Padres as his season total reached 8 (Soto's is now at 19 and leads the MLB).

Both Naylor's and Soto's latest homeruns came in the top half of the eighth inning in game three against San Diego. Their homeruns were part of a big inning for the Cubs that saw them erase a 3-2 deficit and take a 7-3 lead.

Yuki Matsui came into the game as the Padres pitcher as he took over for Luis Patino who had pitched a perfect 7th inning to maintain the Padres slim 3-2 lead.

Matsui also pitched in game two and did allow a hit in his appearance in the 8th inning of that game but did not allow a run as he was part of a flawless four person bullpen outing.

His appearance in game three did not go quite as well. The aforementioned Bo Naylor took him deep to right field on his very first pitch to tie the game at 3-3. The Cubs aggressiveness didnt stop there however as Nico Hoerner took his second pitch off the hip for a HBP to reach first and Josh Naylor hit his third pitch for a single to put two on. Matsui then welcomed Juan Soto to the plate who had a beautiful slider in the middle of the plate for Matsui's fourth pitch of the bat and he hit it hard, however, he was early on it and it went foul. Soto was deterred however as he would eventually hit his second homerun of the game, a three run shot to right field that went over the Jack in the box head on the top of the foul pole to give the Cubs the 6-3 lead. That knocked Matsui out and Enyel De Los Santos took his place only to receive the same treatment. Patrick Wisdom took his first pitch deep (8) to give the Cubs their 5th run in the inning and the 7-3 lead. A lead that would hold and give the Cubs the 2-1 series victory.

The Cubs will look to keep it going as they stay in California to face the Giants (22-19/3rd NL West) who they beat 2-1 just a week ago.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

Cardinals take series from Padres in San Diego

The Cardinals (4-3) took 2 games of a 3 game series from the Padres in San Diego to begin the week.

The Cardinals dropped the first game of the series as Gerritt Cole's debut with the Cardinals was rough. Cole got thru 5 innings, but was knocked around for 11 hits and 6 runs. Yordan Alvarez continued swinging a hot bat as he belted his 4th homerun of the season while driving in 3.

On Tuesday Tarik Skubal would get a no decision as the bullpen blew a 3 run lead heading to the 8th, but the Cardinals got a go-ahead game winning homerun from re-union player Lars Nootbaar whom the Cardinals acquired from the Brewers the day prior, in the 9th inning. Ryan Helsley would earn the save with a perfect 9th.

On Wednesday the Cardinals destroyed Padres pitching earning Louis Turnwall his first win of the season by putting up 13 runs on 21 hits and Yordan Alvarez's 5 for 5 day with 2 homeruns, 2 doubles and 7 RBIs.

The Cardinals will have their home opener on Thursday as the Marlins come to town for a 3 game weekend series with a rare Friday off day.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

Cardinals take home series opener from Marlins

The Cardinals (6-4) won 2 games of their 3 game weekend series with the Marlins in St.Louis.

The Cardinals lost their home opener as the offense couldn't get the bats going as they only managed 3 hits and zero runs on Thursday night. Walker Buehler was good, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits over 6 innings, but took the loss as the bullpen again allowed the game to get away.

Saturday saw Max Fried come to play as he struck out 14 over 7 innings allowing a single run on 2 hits. The offense got a jolt as Jordan Walker hit his first homerun of the season. Dylan Carlson had a 3 for 4 day with 3 RBIs as the Cardinals won 7-1.

Sunday was the home debut for Gerritt Cole but again he struggled. He earned the win thanks to the offense as the Cardinals won 9-7. Cole allowed all 7 runs in 5 innings, but the Cardinals were just as potent scoring 8 thru 5 innings. Yordan Alvarez drove in 4 and Nolan Gorman drove in 3 as they paced the offense. Ryan Helsley earned the save with an immaculate 9th inning.

The Cardinals remain home as they welcome the Phillies to Busch Stadium for a 3 game series starting Monday.

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

I’ve just lost my 7th straight game. Still 10 over .500 but braves and phillies not far behind me. Really struggling the third time through the batting order. Not getting much out of my key bats either.

Don’t know how to turn it around?

[IndianSummer]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

I’ve just lost my 7th straight game. Still 10 over .500 but braves and phillies not far behind me. Really struggling the third time through the batting order. Not getting much out of my key bats either.

Don’t know how to turn it around?

The best advice I can give you is to try and get yourself in good hitter counts, be more patient at the plate.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

2025 Chicago Cubs 05/12-05/14

Overall Record:30-14 (1st NL Central/5.0 over Cincinnati)

Game Results

Game 1
Cubs-8
Giants-4

Game 2
Cubs-3
Giants-0

Game 3
Cubs-5
Giants-1

Cubs secure 2nd sweep as Soto stays hot

Juan Soto increased his streak of games with a homerun to five when he hit his 20th of the year in the 3rd inning of game one in San Francisco. His homer helped lead the Cubs to the 8-4 victory.

That streak would come to an end in game two as he went 1-4 with a double. The Cubs won that game 3-0 behind strong pitching by Jameson Taillon (8.0 IP/2 H/7 SO) and Keegan Thompson who closed it out for his second save of the season (1.0 IP/2 SO)

Soto picked it back up in game three as his 21st homerun of the season helped lead the Cubs to the 5-1 victory.

The Cubs now travel to Colorado to face the Rockies (18-27/4th NL West) in a four game series.

[kinsmen7]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

The best advice I can give you is to try and get yourself in good hitter counts, be more patient at the plate.

This is it. And when it comes to pitching-Attack, attack, attack!

[Ghost Of The Year]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

I’ve just lost my 7th straight game. Still 10 over .500 but braves and phillies not far behind me. Really struggling the third time through the batting order. Not getting much out of my key bats either.

Don’t know how to turn it around?

1 - Go to EBay.
2 - Order Jobu doll.
3 - Offer him cigar and rum.

Guaranteed to work.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

2025 Chicago Cubs 05/15-05/18

Overall Record: 33-15 (1st NL Central/7.0 over Cincinnati)

Game Results:

Game 1
Cubs-5
Rockies-4

Game 2
Cubs-9
Rockies-1

Game 3
Cubs-8
Rockies-2

Game 4
Rockies-6
Cubs-5


Cubs take 3 of 4 in Colorado

The Cubs did what was expected as they took three of four from the Rockies in Colorado. The Cubs are currently ranked as the 4th best team in the Majors while Colorado is ranked dead last at #30.

The middle games of the series were faily easy wins for Chicago (9-1 and 8-2) With Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele collecting the wins and both pitching deep into their outings.

The first and last games were different however as they were both decided by a single run. The Cubs won game one 5-4 with Carl Edwards JR getting the win out of the bullpen. Javier Assad was the starter and did well enough (5.1 IP, 5 H 2 R 5 SO) and at the time of his departure, the Cubs were winning, 3-2.

Caleb Kilian was the first arm out of the bullpen and things didnt go too well for him. He pitches 1.2 innings allowed 4 hits and 2 runs to at the time give the Rockies the 4-3 lead. The runs came off of a Anthony Santander solo HR (6) in the sixth and a Brenton Doyle rbi single in the seventh.

The Cubs later tied it up in the eigth and scored the eventual winning run in the ninth when Bo Naylor doubled in Cody Bellinger who had also doubled earlier in the inning. Tanner Scott came in in the bottom of the 9th and collected his 9th save of the season.

Game three saw the Rockies get a win. They got up to a 6-2 lead after fine innings and despite the Cubs best effort, they couldnt complete the comeback as they ended up losing 6-5.

The Cubs now have a day off then they will welcome the Dodgers (29-21/1st NL West) to Chicago. The two teams played at the end of April and the Cubs took 2 of 3. Shohei Ohtani is still out for LA and will likely miss the entire 2025 season with an MCL tear. He only played in eight games before suffering the injury. The Dodgers are also missing Max Fried (fractured forearm 1-2 weeks), Nelso Velazquez (Torn Groin 2-3 months) and James Outman (shin contusion 1-6 days).

Meanwhile the Cubs also suffered their first real injury during the Colorado series. Patrick Wisdom hurt his shoulder on a swing and was originally slated to miss 1-2 weeks but it looks like he could make a return a bit sooner. In the mean time, Donovan Salano was called up to the big league squad and Ian Happ has been inserted into the lineup in Wisdom's place. Happ has been great coming off the bench while Wisdom has struggled to a subpar average below .200. Maybe some time off will get him in a better state.

[bronxbombers21325]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

Decided to start a new off season franchise with a new roster set that I'd tinkered with since a whole week without baseball gave me the itch. 3 games into the new season and i've already lost Aaron Judge for 2 months and Anthony Volpe for 1 month. Could be a rough start to the season.

[anonymousdl]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

Decided to start a new off season franchise with a new roster set that I'd tinkered with since a whole week without baseball gave me the itch. 3 games into the new season and i've already lost Aaron Judge for 2 months and Anthony Volpe for 1 month. Could be a rough start to the season.

Better to lose them 3 games into the season, than right before the playoffs.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

2025 Chicago Cubs 05/20-05/22

Overall Record: 36-15 (1st NL Central/8.0 over St. Louis)

Game 1
Cubs-8
Dodgers-6

Game 2
Cubs-6
Dodgers-2

Game 3
Cubs-4
Dodgers-3

Perfect no more

The Cubs swept the series so in a sense, they were perfect against a depleted Dodgers team. So who is the headline about? That would be the Dodgers closer Evan Phillips who entered game three of the series with a perfect saves/chances record of 14-14 well... that would be broken by the Cubs.

How did we get there though? The game saw a pitching matchup between the Cubs Shota Imanaga and the Dodgers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pair if pitchers from Japan who both made their MLB debuts in 2024.

Imanaga had the better debut season as he won rookie of the year and was in the running for Cy young. However, Yamamoto was rather dominate against the Cubs.

He did allow a double on his first pitch of the game to Nico Hoerner but the Cubs werent able to capitalize off of that an in total, he allowed just 5 hits in 6.1 innings.

Imanaga wasnt as fortunate with his first hit allowed, a solo shot in the second inning off of a hanging curve ball to James Outman who returned from the injured list to start this game.

In total, Imanaga allowed 10 hits in 7 innings , 3 runs and struck out 8.
When he departed, the Cubs were down 3-0 and it looked likely that they would again win the series but fail to complete the sweep.

Yamamoto also pitched into the seventh inning but in that inning, the Cubs were able to get to him, finally.

Ian Happ started it off as he led off the inning with his 5th homerun of the season, a missile to center field that traveled 453 FT to make the score, 3-1 Dodgers.

After that, Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki both singled which led to Yamamoto being pulled in favor of Joe Kelly. He eventually allowed a run to come in on Yamamoto's tab when Bo Naylor grounded out which brought a run home to make the score 3-2.

That score held until the bottom of the 9th when Evan Phillips came in with his perfect 14-14 and .63 ERA.

The first batter he faced was Cody Bellinger who worked a walk. That was followed up by a single by Dansby Swanson and another walk to Seiya Suzuki to load the bases. Christopher Morel then came up and promptly hit a liner into leftfield that fell in front of Teoscar Hernandez. Bellinger scored from third and Swanson scored from second has Hernadnez's throw was wide as the Cubs walked it off, 4-3 and swept the Dodgers 3-0.

The Cubs now welcome the Rockies (21-31/4th NL West) to town.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

2025 Chicago Cubs 05/23-05/25

Overall Record:39-15 (1st NL Central/9.0 over St. Louis)

Game Results

Game 1
Cubs-7
Rockies-3

Game 2
Cubs-10
Rockies-3

Game 3
Cubs-8
Rockies-4

Cubs complete sweep of Rockies

The Chicago Cubs hit 15 homeruns against the Rockies in their most recent series that finished the season series with Chicago winning, 6-1.

The game with the most homeruns for Chicago came in game three as they hit six. Nico Hoerner and Miguel Amaya both had two a pice while Juan Soto and Christopher Morel added one of their own.

Soto's marked his 26th of the season which has him 5 above the second place Pete Alonso of the Mets. That number is also best in the MLB with the American league leader, Aaron Judge sitting at 20.

The Cubs will now finish off their homestand with three Vs. Pittsburgh (27-26/5th NL Central)

[Cyrus09]

Re: MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode Discussion Thread

I had fun with my Blue Jays roster or what was left of it after the deadline in real life, but after Berrios and Gausman went down in back to back games with season ending injuries I decided to put the season to rest, especially since we fell way down in the Wildcard race. So we decided to become a seller and try to save as much money as possible going into the offseason.

What ended up happening there was a huge All-In move.

- The most important to start with: Extended Vlad
- picked up Shane Bieber as an ace on a discount after a lost season with Cleveland
- then I wanted to bring Teoscar back to Toronto, but when I saw Sotos name I couldn't resist to shoot him an offer and to my suprise he actually signed it
- next I waited for a veteran to sign for a 1 year deal. It ended up being Carlos Santana, who fits the defensive approach in the infield. That gives Vlad his wish as well to play 3rd base, while Santana will be the everyday 1st baseman
- Lastly we picked up Paul DeJong as an UTILITY man in the infield and Luis Urias with the rule 5 draft and threw a 1 year contract at Max Scherzer
- and the last bit of news for the offseason: Our draft pick from the Dom Rep turned out to be way better then projected and will be good enough to be the 5th starter

Lineup:
1 Soto
2 Vlad
3 Bichette
4 Spencer Horwitz
5 Stone Garrett (traded for last season)
6 Eguy Rosario (traded for last season)
7 Carlos Santana
8 Alejandro Kirk
9 Daulton Varsho

Rotation:
1 Shane Bieber
2 Jose Berrios
3 Kevin Gausman
4 Max Scherzer
5 Dominic Santana (R)

It ended up being a more unrealistic approach, but I really look forward to play with the team. Sadly our Bullpen is a bit thin because we spend too much on the other areas of the team that we will have to use some of the prospects we collected in the 1st season to push that.

In the first game against the Astros Soto sadly went 0/5, but Bieber collected his 1st win as a Blue Jay in a 9-3 win.