On February 25, Sony San Diego (SDS) released the third “Fielding Feedback’ video for MLB The Show 25, focusing on Franchise Mode. This look heavily focused on the front office component of Franchise Mode, particularly free agency tweaks.
The bulk of the Franchise/March to October feedback deep dive was focused on free agency. Sony San Diego stated it’s added numerous features into negotiations, in order to make the experience more dynamic.
MLB The Show 25 will feature a new ‘big board,’ highlighted the biggest free agents, plus their motivation factors towards signing with a team. These factors can include team quality, a market fit (i.e. whether a player likes a big market), and whether a starter is entrenched at the particular position.
Stats are no longer the key factor in deciding player salaries, per the developers.
Negotiations are layered; Franchise players can receive ‘Motivation Boost’ bonuses for being the first to offer a player a contract. However, this boost can very, depending on when the deal is offered. If done too early, the motivation to receive deal may not be as high enough.
Franchise Mode will also feature trend-setting free agents. These will typically be the best players at each position and will influence what kind of deals lower-overall players at the same position receive.
There will also be a ‘Now or Never’ feature within free agency. If a player is close to signing with another team, one may receive a last chance to sign that individual.
Agents, on behalf of free agents, may also reach out if a player is believed to be a fit.
Salary arbitration has also been tweaked. Player salaries through arbitration have been tuned per the team to be real-to-life. Hearings will also be a part of arbitration.
Among other features confirmed, SDS confirmed that Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton will return for MLB The Show 25. This was expected, as one could hear their voices in the Thursday developer deep dives they’ve aired previously.
New PA announcers, as well as additional information to the intro scenes, have also been added for MLB The Show 25.
This was the third feedback overview video for this year’s game, coming after their looks at gameplay and Road to the Show.