🛑 Common Causes of Freezing

  1. Squad Builder & Roster Glitches
    Rapidly swapping players or managing large rosters can trigger the infamous infinite freeze screen. This usually happens if bench players are incorrectly assigned to positions.
  2. Heavy Data Tabs
    Screens like the Progress Tab, XP Reward Path, or Collections require the game to load massive data sets. On some PS5s, this can overload memory and cause a hard freeze.
  3. Game Mode Transitions
    Freezes often occur in Road to the Show (RTTS) when moving between draft cutscenes or launching Mini Seasons challenges.
  4. Rest Mode Cache Corruption
    Leaving the game in Rest Mode preserves memory leaks and increases the likelihood of freezes when you resume play.
  5. PS5 Hardware Overheating
    Loud fans before a freeze usually mean dust or airflow issues. Overheating can trigger temporary system slowdowns or complete freezes.

🛠️ How to Fix and Prevent Freezing

1. Bypass Lineup Screen Freezes

If your Squad Builder freezes often, try using the Generate Best Lineup tool:

  1. Open your squad screen.
  2. Press Options → Generate Best Lineup.

This resets any corrupted roster files and ensures all player positions are valid. Also, check online lineup guides to avoid bench pitchers or other position errors.

2. Clear Cache & Avoid Rest Mode

Freezing can worsen if you rely on Rest Mode:

  1. Fully close MLB The Show 26.
  2. Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
  3. Unplug the power cable for 2 minutes to clear temporary hardware cache.

This simple step often prevents persistent menu freezes.

3. Rebuild PS5 Database

Corrupt download segments or saved files may cause freezes. Rebuilding your database helps:

  1. Power down the PS5 completely.
  2. Hold the power button until you hear a second beep to enter Safe Mode.
  3. Connect your DualSense controller via USB.
  4. Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database (Option may vary by system version).

This cleans up file clutter and can stabilize performance.

4. Adjust Display & Graphics Settings

Intense visual effects can trigger lag or freezing during plays:

  • Go to Settings > Gameplay > Display.
  • Turn off dynamic offensive display and camera cuts.
  • Disable 120Hz output or HDR in PS5 system settings if necessary.

Reducing graphical load can help maintain smooth gameplay.

5. Keep Your Game Updated

Freezing issues are often patched in updates:

  • Highlight MLB The Show 26 on your home screen.
  • Press Options → Check for Update.

Running the latest patch ensures you benefit from official bug fixes.

6. Maintain Your Console

  • Regularly dust vents to prevent overheating.
  • Keep the console in a well-ventilated area.
  • Monitor fan noise for early warning signs of thermal throttling.

By following these tips, most PS5 players can dramatically reduce freezing in MLB The Show 26. While some glitches may need official patches, these workarounds let you play longer and enjoy smoother matches.