Summary
- Selecting the right college in MLB The Show is crucial for exposure and skill development for players' careers.
- Different colleges offer unique perks for players, such as speed, contact hitting, defense, and power development.
- Players should align their college choice with their playstyle and aspirations to optimize their journey to the majors.
The Road to the Show mode in MLB The Show 25 allows players to attend college to hone skills and boost the draft stock, instead of jumping directly into the professional ranks. However, with so many programs to choose from in Road To The Show (RTTS), selecting the right one is crucial to a playthrough.
Each of the colleges offered has unique perks and opportunities for development, and their exposure can impact a player’s journey to the majors. This list is a comprehensive ranking of some of the top college players who could choose to get their playthroughs going. Players should align their choice with the playstyle and career aspirations.
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8 UCLA Bruins (4* Prestige)
Built for Speed and Agility
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Common
- Perk: Speed
The UCLA Bruins produce agile and speedy players, making them great for fans of the game who are looking to excel in base running and outfield positions. They have a focus on speed development, so players can expect to enhance their agility and quickness on the field.
However, the main reason they are low on the list is their exposure rating, as it is only moderate. Players might need to put in a little extra effort to be noticed by MLB scouts. For those who are new to the game and looking for a speed-centric player, though, UCLA provides everything they need, even for those unique pitches too.
7 Vanderbilt Commodores (5* Prestige)
Elite Contact Hitters
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Gold
- Perk: Contact
Vanderbilt has a long-standing, storied baseball program, with a history of producing consistent hitters with astonishing plate discipline. Their Contact perk will help players looking to develop a reliable batting approach though, focusing on that consistency with contact.
Players will appreciate their higher exposure rating, but Vanderbilt’s skill development is average at best. Their Gold package will help to provide a slight edge, but players looking to gain a rapid skill progression may find other more suitable programs that are more beneficial.
6 South Carolina Gamecocks (4* Prestige)
Well-Rounded College Experience
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Common
- Perk: Contact
The Gamecocks offer a balanced approach to players, especially those who want to switch it up, with both solid exposure and skill development opportunities. They have a focus on contact hitting, which makes them suitable for players looking to become consistent hitters in the lineup.
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Their package is common. However, their balanced stats make sure that players gain a steady progression. If fans of the game are looking for a well-rounded college experience without a particular specialization, South Carolina could be a great choice.
5 Texas Longhorns (5* Prestige)
Defensive-Minded Players
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Gold
- Perk: Defense
If players are looking to stand out to MLB scouts, the Texas Longhorns are some of the best in the business, offering a masterclass in baseball excellence. Players looking to hone their fielding skills will appreciate their defense focus, which will make them standout on the field.
This team's skill development is average. However, their high exposure rating and gold package could compensate for that. Players will appreciate the quality of equipment as well as the visibility that Texas can offer, which will help them to achieve their dreams over early draft selection as a defense-based player.
4 TCU Horned Frogs (3* Prestige)
Power Hitters in the Making
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Common
- Perk: Power
If a player is aiming to become a home run threat, TCU is a great choice because of their emphasis on power hitting. Their top-tier development in this skill will make sure players get rapid progression in power attributes that pitchers might have to switch up for.
They do have a lower exposure rating than some other colleges, but their skill enhancement makes up for it for players looking to become a formidable hitting talent. Sometimes a playthrough can be focused on personal development rather than immediate visibility.
3 Cal State Fullerton Titans (3* Prestige)
Growth for Consistent Hitters
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Common
- Perk: Contact
Cal State Fullerton offers a history full of baseball, especially in the contact hitting department. Their overall skill development is excellent, and players can use their time here to refine their batting techniques to become a more consistent performer at the plate.
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Fullerton offers a balanced place for growth, with high skill development as well as a decent exposure rate. They may not have that gold package, but for any aspiring contact hitters, the Titans offer a great program.
2 Tennessee Volunteers (4* Prestige)
Contact-Driven Playstyles
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Common
- Perk: Contact
The Volunteers offer a great program for someone looking for visibility and growth from the get-go. The contact perk also helps players to improve their batting average and on-base percentage, making the college a double threat for both skill development and exposure.
This team also does not offer a gold package, but the balanced approach of the program offers players a chance to be well-prepared for their next steps. Players looking to make an immediate impact on their career and attract scouts' attention should look to Tennessee as a pick. Players who like to score the best will feel at home here.
1 LSU Tigers (5* Prestige)
Slugger-Focused Careers
- Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐
- Package: Gold
- Perk: Power
Players looking to stand out to scouts and join one of the best teams out there should look to the LSU Tigers for their program. Showing off talents and working on being a dominant hitter with the power perk is great for players looking to boost their slugging potential.
The skill development for this team is moderate. However, the combination of high exposure and that gold package could give players all the tools they need to succeed. Power hitter players looking to fast track their career might find their perfect choice in LSU.
- Released
- March 18, 2025
- Developer(s)
- San Diego Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Franchise
- MLB The Show
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
