<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Speed can change everything in <em data-start="111" data-end="128">MLB The Show 25. Whether you're grinding through Ranked mode or just trying to outwit your opponent in a tense late-inning situation, knowing how and when to use a pinch runner is one of the most underrated ways to swing momentum. In this guide, we&rsquo;ll cover 13 smart pinch runner tips that can help you win online matches faster&mdash;especially if you're looking to climb the leaderboards without needing a stacked lineup.



<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you're looking to buy <em data-start="557" data-end="580">MLB The Show 25 Stubs to unlock speedy players or grind through collections quicker, these strategies will make that investment even more valuable&mdash;especially for those grinding on <em data-start="739" data-end="758">MLB 25 Stubs Xbox accounts or using platforms like U4N to manage their resources more effectively.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Know Your Bench Before the Game Starts</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Start every match by checking your bench for speed threats. You want at least one player with 85+ speed and solid baserunning attributes to act as your go-to pinch runner.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Prioritize Speed + Stealing</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Raw speed is great, but don't ignore the Stealing and Baserunning Aggressiveness stats. A runner with 90 Speed but only 40 Stealing may not give you the advantage you think.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Use Pinch Runners in the 7th Inning or Later</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Using pinch runners too early can limit your options late. Wait until the 7th inning or beyond when one run could be the difference between a win or loss.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4. Pinch Run After a Leadoff Walk or Single</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These are golden opportunities. When your opponent is less likely to expect aggression, sneak in that speed demon and put pressure on the defense.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5. Know Your Opponent's Pitcher</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Facing a slow delivery pitcher? That&rsquo;s your green light. If their slide step is nonexistent, your pinch runner can steal with ease.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6. Check Catcher's Arm Strength</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Before you run, glance at the opposing catcher&rsquo;s arm strength and accuracy. Weak arms = green light for aggressive stealing.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">7. Delay Steals with Manual Leads</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Use manual leads and delay your steal slightly to throw off timing. This method works well if you&rsquo;re facing a player who relies on predictable pitch timing.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">8. Go for Double Steals When the Situation Allows</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you have runners on first and third and a speedy guy on first, consider a double steal. Even if the catcher throws to second, the runner from third can score on a bad throw.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">9. Practice the &ldquo;Fake Steal&rdquo;</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This can bait bad pitches and give your batter a better chance to make contact. You&rsquo;re not always stealing&mdash;but you&rsquo;re always pressuring.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">10. Use Bunt-and-Run Tactics</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Try a push bunt with your pinch runner in motion. It&rsquo;s risky, but in late innings with the right matchups, it can completely flip the momentum.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">11. Don&rsquo;t Overuse the Strategy</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you&rsquo;re always subbing in pinch runners early, opponents will catch on. Use it selectively to make the most impact.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">12. Make Sure Your Pinch Runner Has Positional Flexibility</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If the game goes into extra innings, you don&rsquo;t want to be left with someone who can&rsquo;t play defense. Having a utility speedster adds flexibility.



<h3 style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">13. Use Stubs to Grab Key Speed Threats</h3>


<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are several bronze or silver-tier players with elite speed who are perfect for pinch running roles. Use your <em data-start="3360" data-end="3379">MLB 25 Stubs Xbox currency wisely&mdash;platforms like U4N make it easier to manage your budget and build a more strategic bench.



<p style="font-family: Consolas, monospace; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pinch running is a subtle yet powerful weapon in <em data-start="3545" data-end="3562">MLB The Show 25. When used with precision and awareness, it can shave off wins in Ranked, clutch out moments in Events, and give your team a psychological edge. Mastering these 13 tips will not only help you win games faster&mdash;it'll make you a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.