MLB The Show 25 is generating buzz, and a key area of excitement is the revamped Road to the Show (RTTS) mode. Many players are already planning their player builds and considering ways to optimize their progress. Some may even choose to buy MLB 25 Stubs to enhance their Diamond Dynasty integration while developing their RTTS player. After years of stagnation, it seems SDS has finally injected fresh life into RTTS.

Amateur Years: A Meaningful Beginning

The biggest additions to Road to the Show this year are the inclusion of high school and college experiences. Players will now begin their careers in amateur baseball, playing a limited number of games before entering the professional ranks. My initial concern was the length of these amateur years, but after playing through them, I found the time commitment to be reasonable.

The high school games are unique, with smaller fields and lower velocity pitching, creating a distinct amateur feel. College adds another layer, with college recruiters expressing interest and the looming MLB draft. Notably, you must play college ball if you want to be drafted number one overall. It might have been cuz we were at this big event and there's a lot of other stuff to do and it might be different if I was sitting at home right here in this chair on this monitor playing it might feel quicker but I thought it was a good amount of time spent on things supplementing your road to the show cuz all this stuff besides the Bowman Scout Day would not have been in previously.

College Experience: A Missed Opportunity?

The college experience, while fun, feels somewhat limited. The lack of officially licensed NCAA logos and the small number of available teams (eight) detract from the immersion. While you play at a recreation of the College World Series stadium in Omaha, the absence of unique college ballparks is a missed opportunity. If SDS could enrich the college experience with those teams a little bit more I get it's you know doing that for just a couple games time but it adds so much replayability to the mode.

Progression System: Freedom and Customization

The new progression system in RTTS is a welcome change. Unlike previous years, where attribute progression felt limited and tied to specific archetypes, MLB The Show 25 gives players more control over their player's development. You earn tokens at a pretty good rate, which you can then use to upgrade the attributes you choose. This freedom allows for more customized player builds and a more engaging Road to the Show experience.

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