Oftentimes, baseball analysts will be able to predict the talent of a team based on who their left fielder is. Their rationale works as well in the sport as it does inMLB The Show 22. In essence, almost anybody can play left field. Therefore, if the left fielder is good, the rest of the team must be packed with talent.
RELATED:MLB The Show 22: The Best Way To Earn Stubs
But what about when the left fielder is not so good? This indicates the exact opposite, the rest of the roster has too many holes, so they can’t worry about left field right now. It’s an awesome spot to play inMLB The Show 22because it’s the best opportunity to turn an organization around. But the teams who need the spot filled are few.
San Diego Padres
It is difficult to make arguments for teams other than the Padres after getting a look at their lineup. Not only do they need a left fielder more than any other team, but the roster is stout with guys like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.
This is theeasiest way to get called up to the showas a left fielder, but there is one downside to joining a pretty stacked team. Until improving further, don’t expect to hit in the meat of the lineup. It’s a small consideration, but for those who like to pad their stats with more at-bats, it can be a deterrent.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates need help left (field) and right, so it’s not a surprise that they’re on this list. The 71 OVR is nice and low, players should be able to get the call up within their first season, especially if theythrow on a few pieces of equipmentto increase their attributes.
RELATED:MLB The Show 22: Best Left Fielders
The pitching and lineup make Pittsburgh seem like career suicide, but there are two big perks to consider. First, bad pitching means slugfest and more opportunities. Next, without any start hitters, a prime spot in the batting order is guaranteed, perhaps immediately after getting to the big leagues.
Los Angeles Angels
A 73 OVR is on the lower end of left fielders, but each point can take a few in-game weeks. At this rate, unless playerslearn how to rapidly improve in Road to the Show, there’s a good chance the Angels will have their first season without the player’s services.
Mike Trout is in center and has a 99 OVR, pulling way more than his weight. There are other genuine superstars on the team yet they haven’t been able to go deep into the postseason somehow. They just need one more player to put them over the top.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins are a sneaky good team inMLB The Show 22, but there’s no way they can have a Cinderella-style run at a World Series without at least one more player. By fixing up their most dire position, the Twins can be a contender as soon as the player’s character joins the roster.
RELATED:MLB The Show 22: Best Teams To Join As A Starting Pitcher
Most of this team is in the 80s. Fans will recognize the names, but they’re mostly just above-average position players and pitchers. That works nicely for gamers who can carry the majority of the load. The Twins aren’t going to hoist any trophies on their own, but they won’t blow it, either.
Cleveland Guardians
A 74 OVR is a tough ask for players itching to be a part of the big leagues. But left field has some star talent, so it’s not surprising that even the teams most “in need” have some decent placeholders. Work hard and by year two, the player will definitely have the OVR they need to take over the starting job.
The advantage here is the Guardians have a strong pitching staff in both the starters and bullpen. Sick of going up to bat down by seven toward the end of the game with no chance to come back? Cleveland is a great place for players who don’t like running into that problem.
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.
