In MLB The Show 26, mastering the relay throw is an essential skill for effective defense. Whether you’re playing infield or outfield, knowing when and how to use a relay throw can prevent crucial runs from scoring. But, like many aspects of the game, understanding how to execute it correctly can make the difference between an easy out and a costly mistake.

This guide is for players who want to take their fielding skills to the next level, covering how relay throws work, how to execute them properly, and when to use them during gameplay.

What is a Relay Throw?

A relay throw is the action where a player in the field (usually an outfielder) throws the ball to an infielder, who then passes it to the catcher or another infielder to complete the play. The purpose of a relay is to get the ball to its final destination as quickly and accurately as possible, usually to prevent a runner from advancing to the next base or scoring on a play at the plate.

In real life, relay throws are typically used to cut off a runner trying to score or to stop a runner from taking an extra base. In MLB The Show 26, this concept is faithfully translated, and knowing how to use relay throws efficiently can save you from allowing runs or making errors.

How Do You Perform a Relay Throw in MLB The Show 26?

Performing a relay throw in MLB The Show 26 is similar to executing a normal throw, but it involves passing the ball between two players. Here's how it works:

1. Outfield to Infield (First Part of the Relay):

   • When a ball is hit into the outfield, your first job is to control the outfielder and move toward the ball.

   • Once you have the ball, look for the cutoff man (usually an infielder). On the PS5 (and most consoles), you’ll need to press a specific button (like R1 on PlayStation) to initiate the throw to the cutoff man.

   • A good rule of thumb is to throw the ball early. This allows your cutoff man time to make the second part of the throw to the final destination. If you hold onto the ball for too long, the runner might be able to take another base.

2. Cutoff Man to Final Target (Second Part of the Relay):

   • After the cutoff man catches the throw, the next decision is where to send it. This could be to the catcher at the plate or to a baseman depending on the situation.

   • On most consoles, you’ll want to use the same button to throw to your target, but make sure you're aiming properly and pressing the button at the right time. You need to take care to avoid throwing the ball too early or too late, as this can allow the runner to advance or score.

3. Throwing to the Right Location:

   • If you’re throwing to home plate, you’ll want to aim toward the catcher. However, the game offers a variety of tools to help you line up your throws, such as the "Throw Meter" to help gauge the strength of your throw and avoid errors.

   • Be mindful of the timing and the player's arm strength. A weak arm might result in a late throw, and a bad throw can miss the cutoff man altogether.

When Should You Use a Relay Throw?

You might be wondering when it's best to use a relay throw. In most cases, relay throws are used when:

• A Runner is Trying to Score from a Distance: When a ball is hit deep into the outfield, a runner on third base might try to score. You’ll want to make sure you execute the relay correctly to prevent the run from crossing the plate.

• A Runner is Advancing to an Extra Base: Let’s say there’s a hit to the outfield, and the runner on first base is attempting to reach second. A quick relay from the outfield to the infield can help you prevent the extra base by getting the ball to the second baseman or shortstop quickly enough.

• Preventing Extra Bases on a Close Play: Sometimes, if the throw from the outfield is too far to reach the target directly, using a relay throw is a smart way to make sure the play at the base is executed cleanly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Relay Throws

Relay throws are a useful tool, but they come with a few pitfalls that can cause problems if not executed properly.

1. Throwing to the Wrong Target: A relay throw should be aimed toward the correct fielder. If you aim incorrectly, you might throw the ball away or into an unintended location. Always check your positioning before releasing the ball.

2. Holding the Ball Too Long: In MLB The Show 26, the throw speed can be crucial. If you wait too long to make the throw to the cutoff man or the final destination, the runner could advance or score. Learn the right timing to release the ball quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

3. Not Using the Cutoff Man Properly: One of the key components of a successful relay throw is passing the ball to the right player at the right time. Sometimes players will try to skip the cutoff man and throw the ball directly to the target, but this risks miscommunication and errors.

4. Forgetting to Adjust the Throw Based on Arm Strength: The strength of the player's arm affects the speed and accuracy of the throw. If you're using an outfielder with a weak arm, a simple throw to the cutoff man can be slow, requiring you to adjust the timing. On the flip side, a strong-armed player might reach the target in fewer throws, but if misjudged, the ball might sail over your fielder’s head.

5. Getting Too Focused on the Throw Meter: The throw meter in MLB The Show 26 is a great tool, but relying on it too heavily can make you miss the bigger picture. It’s important to focus on where the ball is going, and using the meter too much can detract from that.

How Can I Improve My Relay Throws?

Improving your relay throws in MLB The Show 26 comes down to understanding the timing, the mechanics, and the situation. Here are a few tips:

• Practice with Different Outfielders: Spend some time in training mode practicing relay throws with both fast and slow outfielders. This will help you get a feel for how quickly you need to react and how much power to apply to your throws.

• Work on Timing: Knowing when to throw to the cutoff man and when to throw to the final target is critical. You can’t always rely on the same timing for every play. Watch how quickly the ball is coming in and anticipate how long it will take for the relay to reach its destination.

• Pay Attention to the Situations: Understanding when to use the relay throw depends on the game situation. If there’s a runner trying to score, get the throw to the catcher as quickly as possible. If it’s an advancing runner, you need to make sure the ball gets to the appropriate baseman in time.

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Relay throws are one of those skills in MLB The Show 26 that can really help you tighten up your defense. While they may seem straightforward, mastering the timing, positioning, and execution can make a huge difference in stopping runs or preventing runners from taking extra bases. By focusing on getting the throw to the cutoff man, being aware of your players' strengths, and practicing the timing, you’ll find that relay throws become second nature in your defensive game plan.