MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a revamped Road to the Show experience. This mode lets you live the dream of becoming a major league player, but the journey begins with a crucial decision: college or the pros?

Unlike previous iterations, MLB The Show 25 starts you as a high schooler facing this pivotal choice. Major colleges and MLB teams are scouting you, but you can only choose one path. The decision comes after your high school season, win or lose, with scouts present to discuss your future. Between games, you'll learn more about your options, including the teams interested in drafting you. Your performance in high school and at the MLB Combine directly impacts your draft stock and the number of college recruiters.
After the Combine, you commit to a school, and the draft follows. Even if you choose college, a team will still draft you. MLB The Show 25 clearly outlines the options. Here's an example of the choices presented:
Go Pro:
- Receive a signing bonus of 5 Tokens
- Reduced chance of fast-tracking to the Major Leagues
- Begin your pro career as an 18-year-old
Go to College:
- Receive all benefits of the college's offer (e.g., LSU)
- Pursue becoming the #1 overall pick in a future MLB Draft
- Begin your pro career as a 21-year-old after completing your college career
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you've spent years grinding through the minor leagues in previous games, college might be a refreshing change. Becoming the #1 overall pick is a significant accomplishment, offering a different experience as a more developed player. However, if you enjoy the challenge of working your way up from the bottom, going pro straight out of high school might be more appealing.
In our experience, choosing college offered the best of both worlds. The chance to become the #1 overall pick was too enticing to pass up, and the college experience felt engaging. The game conveniently skips to your third year during a championship run, minimizing the time spent away from professional baseball.
So, there you have it: your decision on whether to choose college or go pro in MLB The Show 25's Road to the Show. For more tips and tricks, check out our guide on the best pitching settings for the game.
MLB The Show 25 is currently available in Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.