Once I had the mental game, timing, and discipline down, there was one final piece to becoming an elite hitter in MLB The Show 26 Stubs: precision. Specifically, mastering PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) control.

PCI is where everything comes together. You can have perfect timing and choose the right pitch, but if your PCI placement is off, you won’t get the result you want. Early on, my PCI movement was erratic. I’d overcorrect, slam it in one direction, or miss the ball entirely.

The first improvement came from simplifying my movements. Instead of trying to react wildly to every pitch, I began to make smaller, controlled adjustments. Think of it like guiding the PCI rather than forcing it. This helped me stay balanced and accurate.

Another key adjustment was starting my PCI in a strategic position. Rather than leaving it in the center every time, I began placing it slightly toward where I expected the pitch. If I was sitting inside fastball, I’d shade it in. This reduced the distance I needed to move and improved my consistency.

Tracking the ball became crucial. Instead of focusing solely on the PCI, I trained myself to watch the ball out of the pitcher’s hand and follow its path. The PCI then became a tool to match that trajectory. This shift in focus made my movements more natural and less forced.

Practice was essential. I spent time in drills specifically designed to improve PCI accuracy. Over time, I developed muscle memory. My movements became quicker, smoother, and more precise.

Another lesson was understanding contact quality. Not every hit needs to be a home run. By focusing on solid contact—lining the PCI up with the ball and timing it well—I started producing consistent results. Home runs came naturally as a byproduct.

I also learned to stay calm under pressure. In high-leverage situations, it’s easy to tense up and overcontrol the PCI. But that usually leads to mistakes. Staying relaxed allowed me to trust my mechanics and execute properly.

Finally, I embraced the idea that perfection isn’t required. Even elite hitters don’t square up every pitch perfectly. The goal is consistency—putting yourself in a position to succeed more often than not.

Mastering PCI control was the final step in my journey. It turned good swings into great results and made me a complete hitter. When everything clicks—mindset, timing, discipline, and precision—you’re no longer just playing the game. You’re dominating it.