Understanding Fielders’ Reaction Ratings in MLB The Show 26

LunaTessKai

When playing MLB The Show 26, one of the most important stats for fielders is their Reaction rating. Many players notice differences in how fielders respond to balls, but there’s often confusion about what this rating actually does and how it affects gameplay. In this article, I’ll break it down based on what most experienced players notice in practice.

What Is the Reaction Rating?

The Reaction rating measures how quickly a fielder can respond to a ball that is hit in their general direction. In general, higher Reaction ratings allow players to move faster when they need to field the ball, whether it’s a grounder, line drive, or pop-up. Most players notice that fielders with high Reaction tend to “snap” to the ball quicker, making them more reliable on tough plays.

A fielder’s Reaction doesn’t just affect raw movement speed—it also affects the timing window for fielding. Players with low Reaction ratings might reach the ball but mishandle it because their fielder reacts slower to the trajectory, especially on balls hit slightly to the side.

How Does Reaction Work in Practice?

In actual gameplay, the Reaction rating interacts with other stats like Fielding, Arm Strength, and Speed. Here’s what most players observe:

• Ground balls: A high-Reaction infielder can often stop or slow down a ball that’s hit between them and another player. They adjust better on tough hops.
  
• Line drives: Reaction is crucial here. Players with low Reaction may reach the ball but fail to position their glove correctly, leading to errors.
  
• Pop-ups: Outfielders with good Reaction can get under the ball quickly and adjust to wind or spin changes. Low-Reaction fielders often “late jump” and misjudge the catch.
  
  

Most players also notice that Reaction matters more for certain positions. Shortstops, second basemen, and middle infielders benefit the most, while corner outfielders are less impacted because they often have more time to read the ball.

Does Reaction Affect AI or Player-Controlled Fielding?

Yes. For AI-controlled fielders, Reaction influences how quickly they move toward a ball and how accurately they position themselves. Players controlling fielders also feel the difference. When using manual fielding, a high-Reaction fielder responds almost instantly when you start moving toward the ball, while a low-Reaction player can feel sluggish, making timing and anticipation more critical.

Most players develop muscle memory based on their fielder’s Reaction. For example, if your shortstop has a Reaction rating below 80, you might start fielding a step earlier than usual to compensate.

Can Reaction Be Improved?

In MLB The Show 26, there are a few ways to indirectly improve a fielder’s Reaction in practice:

• Training programs in Road to the Show: Some drills focus on fielding, which can gradually increase Reaction.
  
• Diamond Dynasty: Certain cards have naturally higher Reaction ratings. If you want to field better, looking at these ratings before you add a player to your squad is important.
  
• Player development: In modes where you control a player’s growth, focusing on agility and fielding drills tends to help Reaction over time.
  
  

It’s worth noting that no skill or boost completely overrides Reaction. Even with perfect positioning, a player with a low Reaction rating will still be slower to react compared to a top-tier fielder.

How to Use Reaction Strategically

Most players don’t just look at stats—they also pay attention to how fielders behave in real gameplay situations. Here are some general tips:

• Positioning: If a fielder has low Reaction, place them slightly closer to the expected ball path. This reduces the chance of late adjustments.
  
• Shift usage: Teams often shift fielders based on batter tendencies. With low-Reaction fielders, consider conservative shifts to avoid stretching them too far.
  
• Player control: When controlling a low-Reaction fielder, anticipate plays slightly earlier. Don’t wait for the ball to fully appear; trust your instincts.
  
  

For players in Diamond Dynasty or similar modes, it’s common to buy MLB 26 stubs online to upgrade your squad with fielders who have better Reaction ratings, rather than relying on slower fielders. Most experienced players find this approach more efficient if they want consistent defensive performance.

Common Misunderstandings About Reaction

• It’s not the same as speed: Many new players think a fielder with high Reaction runs faster. In reality, Reaction only affects how quickly they react to the ball’s trajectory. Speed still matters for covering ground.
  
• It’s not automatic perfection: Even the best-Reaction fielder can make mistakes if you misjudge the play. Reaction gives you a wider margin for error, not a guarantee.
  
• It interacts with animations: Sometimes, Reaction affects the timing of fielding animations. A high-Reaction player will start the catch animation earlier, which can make fielding smooth balls easier.
  
  

In general, understanding how Reaction works can dramatically improve both manual and assisted fielding. Most players who pay attention to it notice fewer errors on tough plays.

Reaction is a subtle but essential stat in MLB The Show 26. It influences how quickly fielders respond to balls, how they position themselves, and ultimately how reliable they are on defense. Most players benefit from understanding it and factoring it into their squad choices, positioning, and control strategy. While it doesn’t replace speed or other defensive skills, Reaction is one of the key stats that separates good fielders from elite ones.

By focusing on Reaction, adjusting positioning, and practicing anticipation, you can consistently improve your fielding performance, whether you’re playing Road to the Show, Diamond Dynasty, or Franchise mode.