If you’re playing MLB The Show 26, hitting a Freeze Off can be frustrating. This happens when the game’s peer-to-peer connection between you and your opponent desynchronizes. The result? The game freezes on a single screen—often right after a pitch, play, or during the transition to the next inning. Since the server can’t determine who dropped first, the match stays stuck until someone quits.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to handle and prevent Freeze Offs.

Immediate Steps to Resolve a Freeze Off

1. Wait It Out (The "Mexican Standoff")

If you’re ahead in the game or worried about your ranking, the safest approach is to stay connected. In a Freeze Off, the first player to close the game takes the loss. Patience is key here—sometimes your opponent will quit before you.

2. Confirm the Freeze

Make sure it’s actually a Freeze Off and not a system crash. Check for:

• Stadium music or background sounds – if still playing, the game is frozen, not your console.
• Minor animations, like flags waving or crowd movement.
• If everything is dead and the console doesn’t respond, you may have a full crash instead.

3. Attempt a "Wake Up"

Some players have had luck trying to force a resync by:

• Rapidly pressing buttons (“button mashing”).
• Opening and closing the console’s home or menu screens.
  This trick doesn’t always work, but it can occasionally nudge the game back online.

4. Concede the Game

If waiting isn’t an option, close the game through your console’s home menu. Be aware:

• This counts as a loss.
• Certain modes may impose a cooldown before you can play again.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Freeze Offs

Even though Freeze Offs stem from the game’s core online architecture, you can reduce how often they happen:

1. Keep the Game Updated

Always install the latest patches (1.02+), as San Diego Studio releases stability improvements to fix known desync issues.

2. Use a Wired Connection

Wi-Fi can drop packets and trigger Freeze Offs. Ethernet cables are more reliable for online play.

3. Adjust Console Settings

• Xbox: Disable 120Hz output or HDR in system display settings to reduce crashes.
• PS5: Avoid Rest Mode during online sessions.

4. Avoid Quick Resume / Rest Mode

Fully close and restart the game before each session to clear temporary memory issues that can trigger freezes.

5. Tweak In-Game Settings

• Turn off Auto-Fielding Shifts.
• Disable Tutorial Tips overlays.
  These have been linked to occasional animation freezes and desyncs.

If Freeze Offs happen frequently with certain opponents, try restarting your console, checking your network, and even logging in via the Companion App for reward claims. Combining these steps often leads to smoother gameplay and fewer interruptions.