Franchise Mode Quietly Gets Smarter in Update 9
While most of the buzz around MLB The Show 25 Update 9 is about RTTS and gameplay mechanics, Franchise mode quietly received one of its most important updates in recent years. It’s not a complete overhaul, but the tweaks to realism, trade logic, and contract negotiations add meaningful depth for sim-heads and long-term team buBuy mlb 25 stubsilders.
First off, the trade logic system has been noticeably improved. In the past, it was often too easy to fleece the AI by stacking average players or dumping bad contracts. Now, teams are smarter about their roster priorities. They consider age, contract situation, positional needs, and even organizational philosophy. A rebuilding team won’t trade for a 34-year-old star on an expiring deal anymore, and win-now teams are more aggressive at the deadline.
Free agency has also seen a shift. It’s no longer just about offering the most money. Market size, team performance, and even your club’s prestige factor into a player’s decision. This adds another layer of challenge and strategy to the offseason. You’ll need to build a compelling case to lure top-tier free agents—not just throw cash at them.
There are also subtle improvements to player development and morale systems. Young prospects now develop more realistically, with performance and coaching affecting their growth curves. Veterans will occasionally express dissatisfaction with playing time or contract situations, forcing you to think more like a real GM and less like a stat optimizer.
Another underrated touch is the expanded customization options. You can now edit coaching staffs, create team-specific player roles, and even influence minor league call-ups more directly. While these features may not appeal to everyone, they provide long-time franchise fans with more tools to shape their teams exactly how they want.
While Franchise mode still has room to grow (full scouting system rework, relocation tools, etc.), Update 9 represents a smart, calculated step forward. It’s a much-needed breath of life for a mode that many felt had stagnated. If you love playing multiple seasons and managing every detail of a team, these improvements are worth exploring.