When You Should and Shouldn't Bunt in MLB The Show 17

[RaychelSnr]

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There's a debate amongst baseball fans about when and where you should bunt, with many different opinions on the subject. If you are part of the Sabermetric 'never bunt ever' crowd, this video is totally not for you.

And maybe we can spend time on that in a future video?

But today we're looking at bunting. When you should do it (if you are going to) and what situations makes the most sense. Of course, there's a lot of different situations you just can't cover in a 3 minute video...so we're going to keep it broad. We trust you are smart enough to fill in the gaps.

• Don't bunt with two strikes. Just don't.
• Don't bunt with two outs. Generally this is the rule, but there are exceptions here, especially with a really fast baserunner and an effective baserunner.
• Do bunt to catch the defense off guard. If the third baseman is in a shift and playing deep, a good bunt is going to get you on a lot. The catch-22 here is most hitters who a shift is done for don't bunt all that well.
• Do Bunt to move a runner with a specific end goal in mind. You shouldn't be bunting down 4 runs, but if you are tied in the 9th with a runner on first with 0 outs? Kinda makes sense then.

As with most things baseball, most strategies are completely situational.


So let's get to it, when should you bunt in MLB The Show 17, watch the video above and leave your own comment below!

[Caulfield]

heres what I do:
bunt with a pitcher and theres less than 2 outs and a runner on 1st or 2nd
bunt when its late and you only need 1 run to win or tie
these are the only 2 rules I have that are hard and fast set, everything else I try to be fluid and play by ear, like if I'm facing a sinker ball pitcher and a slow batter and I really need to avoid a double play because the next batter is dangerous, I might bunt.
this is sac bunting only, not drag bunting

[misterkrabz]

I no longer bunt, in any circumstances. Seen too many 68mph exit velocity, physics defying line drives off the bat to 3rd turned into double plays.

Even hitting sub .100 with the pitcher it's still a better option than bunting in my experience.

[bcruise]

Quote: Originally Posted by misterkrabz

I no longer bunt, in any circumstances. Seen too many 68mph exit velocity, physics defying line drives off the bat to 3rd turned into double plays. Even hitting sub .100 with the pitcher it's still a better option than bunting in my experience.

It was adjusted in the patch this morning (specifically mentioned in the notes). Try it again.

[underdog13]

I sac bunt alot in the show. You hit into so many dp's.

Runners on first and second no outs? #9 hitter? Sounds like a good bunt opportunity imo.

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[Skyboxer]

Not sure why I'm seeing differently but before todays patch (Haven't played since patch) I have sacrificed fine.

[mlblover15]

ALWAYS bunt with runners on first and second with no one out... no question about it... every time...

lead off double bunt immediately..

bunt whenever you can every run counts... and you potentilly stay out of double plays... another very important thing

[BA2929]

Quote: Originally Posted by mlblover15

ALWAYS bunt with runners on first and second with no one out... no question about it... every time... lead off double bunt immediately.. bunt whenever you can every run counts... and you potentilly stay out of double plays... another very important thing

You also take away the chance for a lot of big innings wasting outs like that. Especially if you're bunting with runners on 1st and 2nd and one of your best hitters coming up.

I never bunt unless it's late in a game and we're within 1 run or tied, or we're going up against a star pitcher and the bottom of my lineup is up. I hate wasting outs.