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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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

[mlblover15]

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

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]

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.

[Skyboxer]

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

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.

Yeah for me it all depends on 1:The hitter and 2: how they are currently playing.

[Murphy7376]

I can't believe that so many people play in an unrealistic arcade style that they have to actually be told when to bunt LOL

[reyes the roof]

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

I only have three scenarios I'll bunt in
-Pitcher up with less than two outs and a force is in order
-Leading off an inning and I'm facing an overshift. I'll bunt until I get to strike one
-If it's late in a game and I have a man on 2nd with no outs. I'm not a fan of bunting guys from 1st to 2nd, but if I have a chance to move a guy to 3rd base with 1 out and score by making a productive out I'll take it if the score warrants it

[BA2929]

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

I can't believe that so many people play in an unrealistic arcade style that they have to actually be told when to bunt LOL

It has nothing to do with playing an "unrealistic arcade style".

Some people new to baseball, or just new to this game, don't know what situations to bunt in. Not everyone is a baseball expert.

[Skyboxer]

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

I can't believe that so many people play in an unrealistic arcade style that they have to actually be told when to bunt LOL

Well you're assuming there are no "new comers" to the sport or people that just want to talk about different "strategies".
I know if I decided to play soccer games seriously I'd want all these types of threads I could get.

Nothing wrong with having these types of discussions.

[kehlis]

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

I can't believe that so many people play in an unrealistic arcade style that they have to actually be told when to bunt LOL

Not sure what you mean by this. Who is dictating when to bunt? What arcade style are you referring to?


Even baseball purists and experts disagree on appropriate bunting situations. Care to elaborate a bit?

[chuckclc]

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

But that is just stupid if you have a guy at the plate that CANNOT bunt well but can rip doubles and homers. That is one thing the Show fixed this year. If the person bunting isnt a good bunter then you may get into trouble bunting with them. last year it was crazy. Power hitters were even bunting last year. And successful way more then over half the time which is just silly. Hell they were successful probably more then 90% of the time.