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In MLB The Show 26, the changeup is one of the most effective pitches when used correctly. It can keep hitters off balance, disrupt timing, and lead to weak contact or swings and misses. But like any pitch, knowing when to throw it is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Throwing a changeup at the wrong time can make you predictable and easy to hit. In this guide, I'll break down when to throw the changeup, covering everything from counts to batter tendencies, so you can use this pitch with confidence.

1. What Makes the Changeup Effective?

The changeup is an off-speed pitch, meaning it’s slower than a fastball but usually has similar movement. The key to its effectiveness lies in the timing difference between it and the fastball. When hitters expect a fastball, their timing is built for a quicker pitch, making them more likely to be fooled by the changeup.

A well-executed changeup will have a similar arm action to a fastball, fooling the batter into swinging too early or too late. It’s especially effective against aggressive hitters who are looking to crush fastballs.

2. When to Throw a Changeup on 0-0 and Early in the Count

Throwing a changeup early in the count can be a great strategy, but it needs to be used thoughtfully. In MLB The Show 26, a changeup on a 0-0 count is a good option if you're facing a hitter who swings early in the count or struggles with off-speed pitches. You can throw it low and away to get a swing-and-miss or weak contact, but be careful not to throw it over the middle of the plate, as it can easily be hit if the batter isn’t fooled.

Some hitters in the game are aggressive early, meaning they’ll swing at almost anything on a 0-0 count. A changeup in this situation can disrupt their rhythm, especially if they've been hitting fastballs well in previous at-bats. It’s also a good way to set up a later strikeout pitch, like a high fastball, after they’re looking for a fastball.

3. Using the Changeup on 1-1 or 2-1 Counts

Once you're ahead in the count, like 1-1 or 2-1, the changeup becomes a solid pitch for keeping hitters off balance. In these situations, batters are expecting to get a pitch they can drive. If you throw a fastball or slider in the strike zone, they might be ready to attack it. But a changeup, when thrown low or just outside the strike zone, can make the batter chase and either miss or pop it up.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you’re behind in the count (1-1 or 2-1), batters have a more relaxed approach. They’re looking for something to hit, so throwing a changeup low can bait them into swinging over it or grounding out. This can be a great way to regain control of the at-bat and force a weak contact.

4. When to Throw the Changeup on 2-2 or 3-2 Counts

In a full count (2-2 or 3-2), a changeup can be a great way to get a strikeout. The batter is likely anticipating either a fastball or breaking ball, so a well-placed changeup can fool them completely. On a 2-2 count, you can throw a changeup just off the plate, hoping the batter will chase. On a 3-2 count, throwing a changeup can be risky but rewarding. If the batter is looking fastball, they may swing early and miss, or they might make weak contact. You need to make sure that the changeup is located low or just off the plate to minimize the chance of the batter making solid contact.

5. When to Throw a Changeup Against Aggressive Hitters

Aggressive hitters tend to swing early and often. They don’t waste much time waiting for a pitch to hit; they attack. Against these hitters, the changeup can be a game-changer. You’ll want to use the changeup to take advantage of their eagerness. Early in the count (0-0 or 1-1), throwing a changeup off the plate can get them to swing through it. Since they're not as patient, a well-placed changeup will force them to commit too early or too late, resulting in weak contact or a swing-and-miss.

6. When to Use the Changeup as a Setup Pitch

One of the best times to throw a changeup is when you’re setting up a batter for another pitch later in the at-bat. For example, if you’ve been pounding the strike zone with fastballs or sliders, you can use a changeup to throw the batter off. The next time you face them, they might be expecting another fastball or breaking ball, making them more vulnerable to a well-placed changeup.

If you've been working the outside corner with fastballs, you can throw a changeup low and away to get the batter to chase. Similarly, if you've been throwing a lot of high fastballs, you might use a low changeup to get the batter to swing underneath it. This technique can catch them off guard and lead to a strikeout or a weak groundout.

7. When Not to Throw the Changeup

While the changeup can be a very effective pitch, it’s not always the best option. Here are some situations where you might want to avoid throwing it:

When You’re Ahead in the Count Against a Patient Hitter: If the batter has shown that they are patient and willing to work the count, the changeup might not be the best choice. Patient hitters are more likely to recognize the pitch and lay off it, meaning you won’t get the swing-and-miss you’re hoping for.

When the Batter is Sitting Fastball: Some batters are aggressive but are also looking for fastballs. If they’ve been fouling off your fastballs and you throw a changeup, they might adjust and still hit it hard. If a batter has shown they can hit off-speed pitches, you might want to save the changeup for another at-bat.

When You're Behind in the Count: If you’re behind in the count (like 1-2 or 2-2), you don’t want to throw a changeup that’s too far off the plate. A well-executed off-speed pitch can work, but a changeup in a hitter’s zone might result in a solid hit. It's best to throw it when you're confident the batter is expecting a different pitch.

8. Can You Buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs for Xbox Series?

If you're looking to improve your team and make sure you have the best pitchers available to throw changeups (and other pitches), you can always buy MLB The Show 26 stubs on Xbox Series. These stubs can help you unlock better players, improve your roster, and make your pitching staff more versatile. Whether you're trying to build your bullpen or acquire that elite starter with a nasty changeup, stubs can make the process quicker and easier.


The changeup is a great pitch, but it’s only effective when used strategically. By understanding when to throw it and when to avoid it, you can keep hitters off balance and increase your chances of success in MLB The Show 26. Use it to disrupt timing, set up your other pitches, and fool aggressive batters. Remember, the key to a good changeup is timing — yours and the hitter's. So be mindful of the count, the batter's tendencies, and how your previous pitches have been working. The more you mix it up, the better your changeup will be.