Getting the Most Out of Franchise Mode
There are a variety of ways to immerse yourself in a Franchise in MLB The Show. With these suggestions, get the most out of your save file.
Ah, Franchise mode in MLB The Show.
Seen by many as the mode forgotten by SDS, Franchise is still the ultimate baseball sim for those who enjoy hopping into the action whenever they please. Complete with 93-man rosters for all 30 MLB organizations, a large free agent pool, various transaction types, awards, prospect lists, the ability to load in with any roster available, and so much more, fans of the franchise are still clamoring for a large-scale update to the mode.
(Which could still happen for MLB The Show 25. Check back for more when it’s announced!)
These feelings in the community are completely valid, as different franchise-type modes in other sports titles have features that we’ve yet to see in MLB The Show. Even MLB The Show titles from over 10 years ago house features we don’t have today, such as the ability to upgrade team facilities and make changes to ticket prices. The biggest change made to the mode in recent memory were the revamped scouting and draft systems.
Regardless, there is still a ton of fun to be had in Franchise. If there’s a single right way to play, it’s creating a Franchise experience that will get you hooked and coming back for more.
REALISM
As an over-obsessive fan of baseball, this is my favorite.
It starts by ensuring the rosters are correct and player ratings, including prospects, are accurate. I personally take the time to go through rosters with a fine-tooth comb, scouring Baseball Reference pages and various prospect rankings to increase realism for my playthrough.
Once my rosters are set, loading into the Franchise and establishing a play style is key. I will typically simulate more games with lower-ranked teams as I work through scouting, drafting and trading assets for prospects to strengthen the organization from top to bottom.
With a higher-ranked team, a mix of playing full games and using Quick Manage is a good way to stay invested in a competitive year for your club.
LEGEND ROSTERS
With this one, you’re guaranteed a good time. After finding a legend roster in the vault, start up a new Franchise save using said roster, pick a team and let the chaos ensue. Older franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs and Cardinals are stacked and tend to dominate any save. It’s fun to see how all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez would fare in a full 162-game schedule against the best players of all time.
FANTASY DRAFT
Before you begin any Franchise, you can toggle an option that will begin your save by placing your team randomly in a 30-team draft. All MLB players are put into the draft and selected by MLB clubs. After the draft, you will begin your season with a brand new roster you’ve personally assembled and are tasked with wining the World Series.
This is an enjoyable way to play in any form, whether it be with a current roster or a roster filled with legends of the game.
An MLB The Show fan since 2013 and a Blue Jays fan his whole life, Jiggy loves all things baseball. He spends most of his time playing Diamond Dynasty and Franchise.