MLB The Show 21: How To Change Position - Game Rant

There are a variety of ways to alter a ballplayer in MLB The Show 21, though the way certain customization options are accessed may not be immediately obvious. Equipment, looks, and item colors are all easy to find, but there is much more to making a ballplayer than this.

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For instance, some fans seem to be having a bit of trouble figuring out exactly how to change the positions of their created ballplayers. Unfortunately, this is an extremely difficult thing to do and not at all guaranteed. Players that read on should be able to influence their position in MLB The Show 21 as much as they possibly can.

Updated on January 5th, 2022 by Hodey Johns: The original version of this article listed that changing a position in MLB The Show 21 was "easy" and it turns out that things are actually quite a bit more complicated than that. The author probably meant that trying to make the change was straightforward, which is accurate, but actually getting the change to come through is something that even pro gamers can't guarantee. Sections have been added to guide players through the process and maximize all they can do to influence a change of position. While not certain, it's a chance, and it's better than starting over after putting in a career's worth of effort.

Changing Archetype

Fans that are unhappy with their ballplayer's position should navigate to the main menu and select the profile icon that appears at the top-left corner of the screen. This action will bring up a brand new menu, and MLB The Show 21 players should make sure that they have the "My Ballplayer" tab selected within it. They should then select the "Loadout" option that appears just to the left of their ballplayer in order to access a more detailed look at the character. New players should learn this menu well, it must be revisited as equipment is acquired and badges are upgraded.

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It is from this Loadout menu that fans can change a ballplayer's preferred position, and that is done by selecting the large icon that appears at the top-left corner of the screen and then picking from the list under the "Position" tab. Initially, this list will be populated with seven options, and here are details on what those are and how they relate to a ballplayer's primary position:

• Slugger: 1B
• Speedster: CF
• Sparkplug: 2B
• Slick Fielder: C
• Painter: SP
• Filthy: RP
• Cheese: RP

After choosing one of these positions, players should address the small icons that are situated just under the large one in the Loadout menu. These slots are reserved for stat-boosting perks, and fans should do their best to select options that are aligned with the position that is now assigned to their created ballplayer in MLB The Show 21. With all of the icons set as intended, players should simply click on the checkmark on the right side of the screen to confirm their changes.

By default, coaches will try to move the player to the "preferred" position since archetypes that match positions get bonuses. However, if a higher-ranked player is in that spot or there is no good replacement for the gamer's current position, they'll have to try some other tactics to put the pressure on.

What About Shortstop, Left Field, and Right Field?

After leveling up an archetype, players will get to choose advanced options under the given archetype. For example, a Slugger's preferred position is first base but it's possible to hit home runs from elsewhere. A speedy slugger is preferred in left field and a slick slugger's preferred position is third base.

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Shortstops can use The Hawk, The Lark, The Wizard, The Mechanical Man, or El Mago for their preferred position. left fielders should use The Tool Shed, The Duke, El Abusador, Man of Steel, The Winny, or The Werth. And right fielders have The Dewey or Sheff listed as preferred positions.

Talking To The Agent Or Requesting A Trade

There are some teams where, short of a miracle, it's not going to be possible to play in a specific position. The Cardinals aren't moving Arenado off of third base. Wanna replace Mike Trout in center field for the Angels? Fat chance.

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In these situations, it's better to go for a team that has a chance at winning the World Series and yet still finds themselves with a particular need at the preferred position. Talk to the agent about moving positions and, if that's met with resistance, go ahead and demand to play elsewhere.

MLB The Show 21 was released on April 16th, 2021, and is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

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