Stuck in Baseball Purgatory? How to Force an MLB The Show 23 Trade (Without Burning Bridges)
Let's face it, baseball careers aren't all sunshine and home runs. You might be a hitting machine stuck behind a wall named Aaron Judge, or a pitching phenom toiling away in the minors for a team obsessed with veterans with noodle arms. If you're itching for a change of scenery in MLB The Show 23, requesting a trade can be a great way to jumpstart your career. But unlike other games where you can just shout "Get me outta here!" at the GM, things are a bit more subtle in the world of The Show.
Step 1: Become a Star (or at least convince your agent you are)
This might seem obvious, but unless you're putting up Mike Trout numbers, your agent, John Kent, might not exactly be flooded with calls. Dominate the minor leagues and light up the stat sheet in the big leagues. Every home run, every strikeout, is another brick in the "Get Me Traded" wall you're building.
Step 2: The Art of the Backhanded Compliment
John Kent will occasionally check in to see how you're doing. This is your chance to subtly plant the trade seed. Here's where the fun begins! Avoid a direct "Trade me!" Instead, try something like:
- "This is a great organization, but I never really envisioned myself hitting behind a giant metal bat..." (Side-eye Judge, maybe?)
- "I feel like my talents could be better utilized in a more..." thinks dramatically "...wide-open outfield." (Translation: This team is stacked and I'm buried)
Step 3: Befriend the Manager (Unless He Wants You to Play Second Base)
Your manager can also be a key player. During meetings, pay attention to his requests. If he suggests a position change you strongly dislike, politely decline. This could be your ticket out. Just remember, don't be a jerk. You never know when you might cross paths with this guy again (or get traded to a team that hates position-changers).
Step 4: Patience is a Virtue (Especially Since You Can't Actually Request a Trade)
There's no magic button for a trade. It's all about performance and timing. Keep putting up numbers, nudge your agent, and eventually, the baseball gods (or the trade deadline) will smile upon you.
Remember: Getting traded is a marathon, not a sprint. So grab some sunflower seeds, crank up the fake crowd noise, and get ready to prove you deserve a shot on a new team. Just don't be surprised if you end up in Cleveland. Hey, at least you won't be stuck behind Judge anymore!