MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Cardinals take series from Dodgers

The Cardinals (27-38) took 2 games of a 3 game series with the Dodgers in St.Louis over the weekend. The Cardinals are now 10 games back of the Brewers.

The Cardinals were on the verge of another sweep but lost on Sunday due to the bullpen blowing up. Offensively Alec Burleson continues to be the most consistent hitter in the lineup. Burleson had 6 hits with 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs in the series. Matthew Liberatore continues to be a surprise in the rotation as he threw 7 scoreless innings although he didn't get the win as the bullpen blew a 4 run lead over the final 6 outs.

The Cardinals will remain at home as they welcome the AL East leading Blue Jays to town for a 3 game series.

[LowerWolf]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

2025 Atlanta Braves

Finally saying goodbye to my MLB 24 dynasty and moving forward with MLB 25. The Braves were almost too loaded on 24, so I'm looking forward to more of a challenge with 25, especially battling the Phillies and Mets for the division.

Settings

Spoiler

Hitting: Default Hall of Fame/Timing using Analog Flick
Pitching: Default Hall of Fame/Classic
Fielding: Manual
Baserunning: Manual
Style: Simulation

Switched to using the analog stick to hit in the middle of last year and really enjoyed it. Also switched back to manual fielding midseason last year after years of auto fielding. One thing that will never change is using Classic pitching.

Franchise Settings

Spoiler

Roster: Default
Budget: Off
Injuries: Off
Everything user controlled

Selected Default for the roster at the Franchise startup screen. Just always feel like it's the most balanced roster to start with. Budgets are off (ignore budgets is on). CPU teams tend to hold to their budgets even with them off and I'll do the same. Injuries are off because I hate playing against a limited CPU team.

Team Philosophy

Spoiler

We're the Braves, which means our primary focus is pitching. Our top scout, Bill Woodson, is highly rated in scouting pitchers and discovering new players. Our #2 scout, Paul Sechrist, is highly rated in scouting hitters and is also incredibly efficient. Our third scout, Ray McKenna, is also highly proficient in scouting pitchers.

We have a player budget of around $250M, but more importantly we've been told to stay under the competitive balance tax of $241M. We enter Spring Training with a player payroll of $231M, so we have about $10M to spend.

Preseason

Spoiler

Since we're using the default roster, we made a couple of moves in Spring Training. We signed fan favorite RP Craig Kimbrel to a one-year, $1.5M contract. RP Danys Jimenez was released to make room for Kimbrel. We also re-acquired RP Jesse Chavez from the Rangers for RP Jake Diekman. Neither Kimbrel nor Chavez were on the initial 40-man roster.

Per MLB rules (in this universe) we were required to keep Rule 5 draft picks Anderson Pilar and Christian Cairo on our initial 26-man roster. But as Spring Training ended, we outrighted each of them. They each cleared waivers and were sent to AAA Gwinnett. With the two open spots on both the 40-man and 26-man rosters, we added Kimbrel and Chavez.

We also acquired RP Jose Suarez from the Angels via trade; Angel Perdomo was sent back to LA. We feel like Suarez has more upside than Perdomo.

Opening Day Roster

Pitching

Spoiler

Rotation:
1. Chris Sale (L)
2. Spencer Strider (R)
3. Reynaldo Lopez (R)
4. Spencer Schwellenbach (R)
5. Grant Holmes (R)

Sale is the reigning Cy Young winner. Lopez was really effective for me as a high-leverage reliever on 24, now we'll see how he fares as a starter. Really looking forward to using Schwellenbach. Holmes beat out Bryce Elder for the fifth spot.

Bullpen:
CL - Raisel Iglesias (R)
SU - Joe Jimenez (R)
SU - Aaron Bummer (L)
MR - Dylan Lee (L)
MR - Craig Kimbrel (R)
MR - Jesse Chavez (R)
MR - Pierce Johnson (R)
LR - Jose Suarez (L)

Other than Iglesias and Jimenez, the bullpen looks to be a work on progress. Hoping Kimbrel still has something left in the tank. Suarez makes the team as the long reliever since he's out of options.

Hitting

Spoiler

Lineup:
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., RF (R)
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B (S)
3. Austin Riley, 3B (R)
4. Matt Olson, 1B (L)
5. Marcell Ozuna, DH (R)
6. Michael Harris II, CF (L)
7. Sean Murphy, C (R)
8. Jurickson Profar, LF (S)
9. Orlando Arcia, SS (R)

The same lineup as 24, just with Profar in left. PEDs don't exist in this universe, so no suspension.

Bench:
C - Chadwick Tromp (R)
IF - Nick Allen (R)
OF - Jarred Kelenic (L)
Util - Eli White (R)

Our starters play pretty much every day, so there won't be too much playing time. White will be useful as a pinch runner.

Minors

Spoiler

Our AAA club is at Gwinnett and our AA club has moved to Columbus. Our top-rated prospect is left-handed pitcher Cam Caminiti, but he's still several years away from making it to Atlanta. He'll start the season in A ball.

Hurston Waldrep and AJ Smith-Shawver could each see call-ups later this year. We want our top positional prospect, catcher Drake Baldwin, to get regular at-bats, so he'll start at Gwinnett as well. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in Atlanta later this year.

Elder is no longer a prospect, but he'll get a shot to join the rotation later in the year after just missing out on winning a spot in Spring Training.

[BlueJays09]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Blue Jays split the series with Baltimore to start the year. After losing game one, the Jays defeated the Orioles in game two 9-4 and in game three 5-3. Game four was close, but Rutschman hit two homers to give Baltimore the split 6-5.

The big story of the series was Anthony Santander hitting a whopping five home runs in the four games against his old team.

In other news, Toronto acquired OF/DH Nelson Velasquez from the Royals for prospect Eddinson Paulino. Velasquez was demoted to AAA to start the season and KC signed Adam Duvall to a 1 year 3M contract. The Jays are hoping that a change of scenery is what the doctor ordered for Velasquez who has some pop in his bat and should give them some power vs LHP and off the bench if needed. He could draw some starts at DH if he gets hot.

The bottom of the order hasn’t been great. Wagner, Clement, Lukes and Straw are all hitting quite poorly to start their 2025 seasons. If this continues, Addison Barger could get the call. Once Varsho returns in the next week or two, Lukes and Straw could both see themselves demoted unless they start producing at the plate.

Next up is 3 games against Washington!


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[Cyrus09]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

The 2025 Seattle Mariners

I forgot to save my notes for this series, but I hope I can still get everything together. But as a treat I even have a video this time!

Series Recap: Blue Jays
Game 1: L 1-3
Game 2: W 8-2
Game 3: W 6-5

The Pink Gorilla Games high performer of the series: Julio Rodriguez: 7 hits, 3 HR, 7 RBI

When I thought about the high performer of the series gimmick I was a bit worried that I would have to mention Julio every series, but suprisingly I didn't have to manifacture any stories around him so far to prevent that. But this time there is no way around it: That guy is on another level right now.

First game was the typical Mariners series opener of this season: We just could not figure out the pitching and ended up the game with just 3 hits against 3.2 innings of Bowden Francis and an army of Blue Jays relievers. Julio brought our only run of the game home with an RBI triple.
Funniest thing of this game: 4 Mariners players were hit by pitches in this game. So we had more players coming on base for that then hits.

Game 2 then was a good one for the offense: Homers by Julio, Cal and the pinch-hitting Rowdy Tellez on the first pitch he saw.
RBIs by Robles, Rodriguez(2), Cal, Raley (2), Dylan Moore and like I said Rowdy Tellez.
The Jays homered with Bichette in the first and then again with Santander in the 4th(I wish that would be real life). Other then that we started with 3 runs in the first and then added to that slowly nearly every inning for a dominating win. Bryan Woo pitched 7 very strong innings, the only hits he gave up were the 2 home runs sadly.
Before I forget: Cole Young recored his first career hit in this game! And his first time caught stealing right after. Back to AAA, young man!

The third one was amazing. We go up by 2 in the 2nd inning with a Polanco 2 run home run. Then Julio hits a home run in the 5th inning to make it 3-0. Then Vlad hits a homer in the 6th to start the Blue Jays scoring followed by the 7th inning of hell for our defense. 3 different times we missed a double play by a moment at 2nd base and then were late on the throw to first as well. The Jays managed to score 3 runs out of that and took the lead.
Polanco then brought Ruiz home after he came on base with a bunt and then went on to steal 2 bases to tie the game in the 9th.

In extra innings Kirk came on base and got subbed out for Myles Straw who brought them up by one just a few pitches later.

Then this happened:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eeef9exjErk?si=arGmONAxHvyZhgd8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
(I'm playing without the runner on base in extra innings)

I love this game so much!

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

2025 Cleveland Guardians

Guardians’ bats wake up, take first series of the season

Game 1: L 4-3
Win: Jeremiah Estrada (1-0) 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 0 ER
Loss: John Means: (0-1) 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 SO, 1 BB, 1 ER

This game started off as a pitcher’s duel, with both Ben Lively and Yu Darvish pitching more to contact than for strikeouts. San Diego would score one run in the third when Xander Bogaerts doubled, but Cleveland responded with a three run double from Jose Ramirez in the fifth. It would be all Padres from there, as they drove in two more runs off of Lively in the sixth before Luis Campusano drove in the go- ahead run in the eighth off of John Means. Campusano would then throw out Steven Kwan in the top of the ninth, who represented the tying run.

Game 2: W 5-3
Win: Jakob Junis (1-0) 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Loss: Robert Suarez (0-1): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 2 ER

Dylan Cease gave up a two run home run to Kyle Manzardo in the first, and then left the game after throwing just two pitches in the second inning. It looked to be tightness in his shoulder, and nothing more. He was replaced by knuckleballer Matt Waldron, who kept Cleveland off balance for four scoreless innings. Luis Garcia had a solid start, the only blemish being a three run fourth inning. Luckily for him, the Guardians were able to rally late; getting a two run home run from Brayan Rocchio in the seventh and adding an insurance run in the eighth by Jose Ramirez’s third home run in four games. Emmanuel Clase would earn the save with a six pitch ninth inning.

Game 3: W 5-0
Win: Tanner Bibee (1-1) 6.0 IP, 2 H, 6 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Loss: Michael King (0-2) 3.1 IP, 7 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 2 ER

Steven Kwan led the game off with a solo home run, and Cleveland never trailed from there, scoring a run in each of the first three innings, plus adding one in the fifth and sixth to cruise to an easy 5-0 victory. Brayan Rocchio hit his second home run in as many days, while Carlos Santana, Nolan Jones, and Gabriel Arias all drove in a run each. Tanner Bibbee was dominant, and Tim Herrin and Cade Smith would maintain the shutout to give Cleveland the series win.

The Guardians (3-3) will have an off day before opening a three game series against the Angels (4-2)

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

When does the main roster update usually come guys?

[jcar0725]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

When does the main roster update usually come guys?

Usually some time after the first week of the season is complete.

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Oh I forgot to add, I figured out how to edit injuries. Since Jurickson Profar is a big ole bonehead, he is now out for the year with a fractured head. Because I’m the comissioner and I hate cheaters. I was going to just give him a 70 day injury but if Atlanta does make the playoffs in my franchise, I want him to miss it.


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[Ghost Of The Year]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Oh I forgot to add, I figured out how to edit injuries. Since Jurickson Profar is a big ole bonehead, he is now out for the year with a fractured head. Because I’m the comissioner and I hate cheaters. I was going to just give him a 70 day injury but if Atlanta does make the playoffs in my franchise, I want him to miss it.


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He will miss the playoffs IRL if the Braves make it to October. So I would reinjure him again after game 162.

Was Profar cheating, or massaging the rules just a little, lol.

[Jeffrey Smith]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Oh I forgot to add, I figured out how to edit injuries. Since Jurickson Profar is a big ole bonehead, he is now out for the year with a fractured head. Because I’m the comissioner and I hate cheaters. I was going to just give him a 70 day injury but if Atlanta does make the playoffs in my franchise, I want him to miss it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve given him a suspension in my franchise as well. 70 games and I hope to remember to reinjure him if the Braves make the playoffs.

[kinsmen7]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

I’ve given him a suspension in my franchise as well. 70 games and I hope to remember to reinjure him if the Braves make the playoffs.

He was at the top of my list of guys I was hoping the Jays signed this past offseason...I sure am glad that we didn't get this kick in the nuts...

[Jeffrey Smith]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

Yeah, I thought he would have been a good add as well.

Jays dodged a bullet on that one.

[Jeffrey Smith]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

He was at the top of my list of guys I was hoping the Jays signed this past offseason...I sure am glad that we didn't get this kick in the nuts...

I might also give him a ratings punishment as well. Lower his power. Take that Jerk-ison Profar.

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

He will miss the playoffs IRL if the Braves make it to October. So I would reinjure him again after game 162.

Was Profar cheating, or massaging the rules just a little, lol.

That's true, I could just do like 70 games and then reinjure him...but I'll probably forget. I'm just going to keep him on the "Head Fracture" injury. It's poetic justice for me. You make a boneheaded decision in real life? Your virtual head bone gets busted.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

2025 Houston Astros 05/02-05/04

Overall Record: 18-15 (2nd AL West/1.0 behind Seattle)

Game Results

Game 1
Astros-7
White Sox-1

Game 2
Astros-2
White Sox-0

Game 3
White Sox-8
Astros-3

Stros miss opportunity for sweep but take first series of May against Chi Sox

Some thought the Chicago White Sox would be better in 2025 but thus far, they haven't been. They entered their first series of May with a league worst 7-24 record. Which technically was better than their 2024 record of 6-25 after 31 games. Still, they aren't that good yet, the Astros failed to secure their second sweep of 2025.

They entered game three with hopes of doing just that after winning games one and two, 7-1 and 2-0 behind a strong offensive performance in game one and a complete game shutout by Hunter Brown in a game two victory of 2-0.

All things had lined up with the Astros sending their early SP leader Ronel Blanco to the mound in game three versus Drew Thorpe who still is technically in his rookie season despite starting 9 games for the Sox in 2024.

And, game three started off just as well as it could have when Jose Altuve led off against Thorpe with a leadoff homerun (6).

The Astros didn't add to that lead and instead gave it up when the White Sox best player, Luis Robert JR homered off of Blanco in the bottom half of the inning to give Chicago the 2-1 lead.

From there, the White Sox continued to add on and eventually led 8-1 leading into the 9th inning. The Astros got a few hits and a couple of runs in the ninth but ultimately fell short with the final score of 8-3 as Chicago avoided the sweep.

The Astros will now finish out their road trip as they head to Wisconsin to take on another struggling team in the Milwaukee Brewers (13-22/4th NL Central/6.0 behind Cincinnati Reds)