If you've been playing MLB The Show 26 for a while, you’ve probably noticed that stealing bases can be a hit-or-miss strategy. You may have tried the typical steal attempt—where you trigger the steal at the right moment—but if the pitcher has a good pickoff move or your base runner gets caught in a rundown, the plan fails. One strategy that has been gaining traction among experienced players is the delayed steal. In this article, I’ll explain what it is, how it works in practice, and when you should use it.
What is a Delayed Steal?
A delayed steal is when the base runner doesn't start running immediately after you press the steal button. Instead, the runner takes a slight step off the base, waits for the pitcher to commit, and then takes off. The idea is to catch the pitcher off-guard, forcing them to make a poor throw or allowing your runner to get a bigger jump, which increases the chances of a successful steal.
In short, you’re not rushing the steal right after the pitch is thrown. You’re waiting just a fraction longer, taking advantage of a pitcher’s tendency to focus on the batter or make a bad pitch while trying to throw you out.
How Do I Perform a Delayed Steal?
The actual execution is simple once you understand the basic mechanics. Here’s how to do it:
Select your base runner – Pick the runner you want to attempt the delayed steal with. Make sure it’s someone with good speed, as this will make the strategy more effective.
Press the steal button – In MLB The Show 26, this is typically the button that corresponds to stealing a base (usually R1 or Right Stick Up, depending on your controller settings).
Wait for the pitcher’s movement – Instead of immediately advancing the runner, let the player take a small lead off the base. The runner will hesitate a little, which often causes the pitcher to focus on the batter or make a less-than-perfect throw to the plate.
Time the jump – Once you see the pitcher’s focus shift (either they start their windup or the pitcher commits to a pickoff move), it’s time to press the button again to start the actual steal. If timed right, the delay can give your runner an extra step toward the next base.
While this sounds simple, there are a few nuances that can make or break the play, which we’ll dive into next.
Why Does the Delayed Steal Work?
So why should you use a delayed steal instead of just going for a standard steal attempt? There are a few key reasons:
Pitcher Distraction: Often, pitchers are more focused on the batter than on the base runners, especially if the batter has been taking a lot of pitches. By delaying your steal, you’re giving the pitcher a moment to lose their rhythm or focus, which gives you a better chance to take advantage of a slow throw to the plate or a bad pitch.
Better Timing: The timing of a delayed steal is crucial. When you start the steal, the pitcher is less likely to be in the optimal position to throw to the base. The pitcher might throw a pitch out of the strike zone or be slow to react, giving your base runner a larger lead.
Avoiding Pickoff Attempts: The longer you wait, the less likely it is that the pitcher will attempt a pickoff to the base. If you wait for the right moment, you can beat the pitcher’s pickoff throw because they’re less likely to be prepared for a delayed steal.
Creates Confusion: In real baseball, pitchers and catchers are trained to watch for signs of stealing, but with a delayed steal, you’re playing a mental game with the defense. If the pitcher expects you to steal immediately, you’ve already thrown off their rhythm by waiting for the right moment.
When Should I Use the Delayed Steal?
While this strategy can be effective, it’s not always the best choice. Here are some scenarios where the delayed steal is most useful:
When the Pitcher Has a Good Pickoff Move: If the pitcher has a great pickoff move or is generally good at keeping runners close, trying a delayed steal can catch them off guard. If you attempt to steal immediately, you’re more likely to get picked off. The delayed steal gives you more time to assess the pitcher’s move and make sure they’re not going to throw to first.
Against a Pitcher with a Slow Windup: If you’re facing a pitcher with a slow windup, the delayed steal gives you a bit of extra time to get a jump on the steal. The key is that you’re waiting for the right moment to take advantage of the pitcher’s rhythm.
When There Are No Outs or One Out: The delayed steal is often better when you have a lower risk of being caught. If you have no outs or just one out, you can afford to take a chance. If the base runner gets thrown out, you still have a good chance to continue your at-bat with a less aggressive approach.
When You’re Facing a Left-Handed Pitcher: Left-handed pitchers are usually better at keeping runners on base. If you’re facing a lefty, a delayed steal can be your best shot at stealing because their pickoff moves are often better, and they’re less likely to get caught off guard by a delayed attempt.
What Are the Risks of the Delayed Steal?
Like any strategy, the delayed steal has its risks. Here are some things to watch out for:
The Pitcher Could Read Your Move: If you’re facing a pitcher who’s quick to react, they might catch onto your delayed strategy. Some pitchers can read the situation well and may throw to the base to catch the runner before you have the chance to steal.
It Takes Time to Master: The delayed steal isn’t a foolproof strategy. You need to practice to get the timing right. If you delay too long, the pitcher might throw to the plate or attempt a pickoff.
Poor Base Runner: If your runner doesn’t have good speed or isn’t a threat to steal in the first place, using the delayed steal can be more trouble than it’s worth. Make sure your runner is someone who can actually take advantage of the delay, like a player with high speed and good stealing ratings.
How Do I Improve My Delayed Steal Success Rate?
Mastering the delayed steal comes down to a few important factors:
Base Runner Speed: Make sure you’re picking the right player for the job. A speedy runner with a good stealing stat will increase your chances of success. Don’t forget that you can also enhance your chances by acquiring more MLB The Show 26 stubs cheap online to upgrade players and improve your roster.
Pitcher Timing: Watch the pitcher’s rhythm and pay attention to how long they take to deliver the ball. The slower they are, the better your chances of getting the delayed steal right.
Keep It Unpredictable: Don’t use the delayed steal every time, or it’ll become predictable. Mix it up with traditional steals and even hit-and-runs to keep your opponent guessing.
The delayed steal is an effective and strategic play in MLB The Show 26 if used in the right situations. It allows you to take advantage of the pitcher’s distractions and make an unexpected move that might catch them off guard. Mastering the delayed steal requires good timing, an awareness of the pitcher’s movements, and choosing the right base runners. Like anything in MLB The Show 26, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out the first few times. Keep experimenting, and you'll soon see how this strategy can help you dominate the basepaths.
