Alright, so I’ve been grinding away at MLB The Show 24, and let me tell you, building a killer franchise roster is no joke. It’s been a wild ride, but I’ve finally cracked the code, or at least I think I have. Here’s how I went about crafting what I believe to be the best franchise roster in MLB The Show 24.
Start Fresh or Use Current Rosters?
First off, I had to decide if I wanted to start with the current rosters or go for a fantasy draft. Both have their pros and cons. I opted for a fantasy draft because, honestly, who doesn’t love the thrill of picking their dream team from scratch? It felt like being a real GM, and that’s the kind of immersion I’m here for.
The Draft Strategy
Now, onto the draft. I kicked things off by snagging a few young studs with high potential. I mean, you gotta think long-term, right? I grabbed some promising pitchers and a couple of power hitters who I knew would develop into beasts.
- Prioritize Youth and Potential: I focused on players under 25 with A or B potential. Guys like that are gold in franchise mode.
- Balance is Key: I made sure to have a good mix of power, speed, and contact. Plus, defense matters, folks. I didn’t want any black holes in my lineup.
- Positional Needs: Catcher, shortstop, and center field were my top priorities. These positions are crucial, and having solid players there makes a huge difference.
Developing the Young Guns
After the draft, it was time to get to work on developing my young talent. I played a ton of games, manually managing each one to ensure my key players got plenty of at-bats and innings pitched. I also messed around with training regimes, focusing on their weaknesses and trying to turn them into well-rounded players.
- Game Time: Nothing beats actual game experience. I played each game to give them the reps they needed.
- Training: I customized training schedules to target specific skills. For example, power hitters got extra batting practice, and pitchers worked on their control and stamina.
- Monitor Progress: I kept a close eye on their development, adjusting my approach if someone wasn’t improving as expected.
Making Trades
Even with a solid draft, I knew I’d need to make some trades to fill in the gaps. I kept an eye on the trade block and wasn’t afraid to make some bold moves. I traded away some of my older players for younger prospects or draft picks, always with an eye on the future.
- Identify Needs: I regularly assessed my roster to see where we were lacking. Whether it was a lack of depth or a need for a specific skill set, I made sure to address it.
- Be Aggressive: Sometimes you gotta take risks. I wasn’t shy about offering up big names if it meant getting a player who could be a future star.
- Value Draft Picks: I made sure to accumulate draft picks. They’re invaluable for restocking the farm system and keeping the talent pipeline flowing.
Managing the Finances
Keeping an eye on the budget is crucial in franchise mode. I made sure to avoid overpaying for free agents and focused on signing players to team-friendly deals. This gave me the flexibility to make moves down the line and keep my team competitive without breaking the bank.
- Smart Contracts: I looked for players who would sign for reasonable amounts, avoiding long-term deals that could become albatrosses later on.
- Avoid Big Splashes: While it’s tempting to go after the biggest free agents, I found it better to build through the draft and smart trades.
- Maintain Flexibility: I kept my payroll flexible so I could make moves at the trade deadline or during the offseason if needed.
The Results
After all that grinding, my team started to come together. My young players developed into stars, my trades paid off, and my careful financial management kept me in contention year after year. It was a ton of work, but seeing my team dominate the league was incredibly satisfying.
So, there you have it. That’s my journey to building the best franchise roster in MLB The Show 24. It’s a mix of smart drafting, player development, savvy trades, and careful financial planning. Hope this helps you build your own dynasty!
