“Look at me, I can be center field!” So says the popular lyrics in one of America’s favorite classic tunes.MLB The Show 22can give some reality to this sense of imagination. But it’s not as simple as picking a favorite team and heading straight for the big leagues.
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Center fielders have to cover a lot of territory. No other position has to worry about the shape and size of the ballpark like center fielders do. Teams often fill this position fast to cut down on opponents getting extra-base hits. But there are a few ballclubs inMLB The Show 22that could use some help and will give players a long, prosperous career.
Chicago Cubs
If the goal is toget called up to the main stage as fast as possibleas a center fielder, look no further than the beloved Cubbies, in the midst of a full-fledged rebuild since their World Series win several years ago. They have the lowest-rated starting center fielder in the game, players should get the call up very quickly.
Wrigley Field is loved for more than just its prestige and history. The outfield is magnificent and the fans are supportive. Without much competition, players should get a spot at the top of the lineup and plenty of opportunities to show off their speed.
Cincinnati Reds
Joining the Reds is just barely more effort than joining the Cubs, requiring a very low 70 OVR to become the best player at the position.Slap on some equipmentand this should happen within the first few months. The Reds have some perks despite being a team that, on paper, looks like nothing special.
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Consider that all of the other position players for the Reds are between 74 and 83. No stars but also no weaknesses, so the player can be the unquestioned star without having the team being a letdown, which is a rare but happy scenario.
Philadelphia Phillies
Beating an OVR of 70 is still on the extremely low end for any position, so the Phillies represent another opportunity for a quick call up to the MLB team. Spend about half of the first yearimproving in Road to the Showand the Phillies will inevitably plead for some help at center.
Despite some bad gaps in the lineup, the Phillies are the eighth-best team according to the ratings. Philadelphia is the spot to go to when chasing a World Series title right away. As a center fielder who will bat near the top of the lineup, it’s important to have others that can hit to score runs, Bryce Harper will relish these opportunities.
New York Yankees
Due to the tough competition at center field, a 72 OVR, while not necessarily low. Don’t expect to be playing center field instantly, but by the end of year one or the start of year two, the Yankees will certainly have a place open on the roster.
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Is there any need to even write about why a player would need to pick the Yankees? The stadium is great for hitters, fun to field in, and carries on the legacy of outfielders like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. The Yankees are a dream situation that most other players will only be able to consider after they have an OVR in the 90s for another team before getting traded over.
Detroit Tigers
The difference for many gamers between a 68 and a 74 OVR can be most of a season in the minor leagues. It’s a tough pill to swallow. But that’s just how highly-rated most center fielders are. And for those who would like to bring Detroit something to cheer for, there is a better opportunity here than on most teams.
As with the Reds, this is a team that has a lot of good players without any bona fide perennial All-Stars. The other position players range from a 72 to an 87, so a bit more variance here than there is in Cincinnati, but it’s still a solid team that just needs a single piece before talking seriously about competing in the playoffs.
MLB The Show 22was released on April 5th, 2022, and is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5.
