Top Rated Cards You Must Get in MLB The Show 25

MLB The Show 25 brings one of the strongest early-game card pools in Diamond Dynasty history, with elite Diamonds available through programs, packs, and collections. Whether you're competing online or MLB The Show 25 Stubs grinding offline modes like Conquest or Mini Seasons, having the right cards can dramatically boost your lineup’s performance. This guide highlights the top-rated, must-have cards in MLB The Show 25—focusing on players with meta-friendly attributes, elite quirks, and strong animations that give you a competitive edge.

This list includes a mix of hitters, pitchers, budget beasts, and top-tier Diamonds that every player should prioritize if they want to dominate quickly.

Best Hitters in MLB The Show 25
1. 95 OVR Mike Trout (Core Series)

Mike Trout continues to be one of the most explosive outfielders in Diamond Dynasty.

Why He’s a Meta Must-Have

Exceptional power vs both sides

Smooth, fast swing animation

Elite defensive range in Center Field

Excellent quirks (Dead Red, Quick Reflexes, etc.)

Even early in the game cycle, Trout plays like a top-tier bat and anchors the outfield for months.

2. 94 OVR Aaron Judge (Live Series)

Aaron Judge remains one of the most dangerous power hitters in MLB The Show.

Why You Need Him

Ridiculous power ratings

Huge exit velocities

Excellent discipline (fouls off borderline pitches)

Great fielding + strong arm in right field

He’s not the fastest, but you’re picking Judge for the moon-shot home runs—and he delivers.

3. 93 OVR Mookie Betts (Live Series)

Betts is the definition of a five-tool player in Diamond Dynasty.

Why Mookie Dominates

High contact + great vision = massive PCI

Lightning-fast swing

Plays multiple positions (2B, RF, CF)

High fielding and strong arm

He’s one of the safest, most reliable early game pickups.

4. 92 OVR Corey Seager (Live Series)

Seager is one of the best left-handed hitters in the entire game.

Why Seager Is Elite

One of the best swings in MLBTS

High power vs righties

Strong clutch rating for late game ABs

Solid fielding in the infield

If you need a shortstop or second baseman with elite offense, Seager should be your top choice.

Best Pitchers in MLB The Show 25
5. 96 OVR Jacob deGrom (Core / Live Series)

When deGrom is healthy in real life, he’s nearly unhittable—and that translates perfectly in The Show.

Why deGrom Is a Must-Have

100+ mph fastball

Devastating slider and changeup

High break + control

One of the most meta pitch mixes

Few pitchers can overpower hitters quite like deGrom.

6. 95 OVR Gerrit Cole (Live Series)

Cole is one of the most consistent aces available at launch.

What Makes Him Meta

Top-tier velocity

Excellent stamina

Great control for painting the corners

Strong pitch mix with a lethal 4-seam + slider combo

His fastball/slider combination creates tons of strikeouts.

7. 94 OVR Emmanuel Clase (Live Series)

Clase is arguably the best reliever early in Diamond Dynasty.

Why Clase Belongs in Every Bullpen

100+ mph Cutter (one of the hardest pitches to hit)

Slider with sharp horizontal break

Top-tier stamina and H/9

Elite control for a closer

His cutter alone makes him a nightmare matchup late in the game.

Best Budget Beasts (Affordable Must-Have Cards)

You don’t need to spend tons of Stubs to build a powerful team. These “budget beasts” play well above their rating and cost a fraction of top Diamonds.

8. 88 OVR Cedric Mullins (Season Program Reward)

Mullins is one of the best early-game table-setters.

Why He’s Great

Excellent Contact vs R

Elite Speed for stealing bases

Great defense in Center Field

Quick, smooth swing

He’s an early pickup that can remain in your lineup for weeks.

9. 89 OVR Freddie Freeman (Live Series)

Freddie Freeman ALWAYS plays above his rating.

Why You Need Freeman

Best swing among first basemen

High contact + huge PCI

Reliable power

Strong clutch rating

He’s cheap, reliable, and hits in any difficulty.

10. 87 OVR Luis Arraez (Live Series)

If you want on-base percentage, Arraez is a machine.

Why He’s a Sleeper Beasts

Ridiculous Contact + Vision

One of the largest PCIs in the game

Low chase rate swing animation

Plays multiple infield positions

He won’t hit 40 bombs, but he’s an elite table setter.

Best Position Player Sleeper Picks
11. 90 OVR Fernando Tatis Jr. (Core Series)

Tatis is fast, powerful, and aggressive—exactly what you want in Diamond Dynasty.

Why Tatis Is a Must-Grab

Explosive power on fastballs

Great SS/OF flexibility

Strong arm strength for defense

Home run-friendly swing animation

He’s a perfect power-speed hybrid.

12. 92 OVR Ronald Acuña Jr. (Live Series)

Acuña is a meta outfielder every year.

Why He’s Worth Targeting

Crazy power numbers

Top-tier speed

Perfect for stealing and stretching bases

Strong quirks for hitting fastballs

Acuña remains a long-term outfield option.

Best Meta Pitching Sleepers
13. 90 OVR Logan Webb (Live Series)

If you value pitch mix, Logan Webb is elite.

Why He’s Low-Key Broken

Sinker + changeup meta

High ground-ball rate

Excellent control

Nasty slider for strikeouts

He’s one of the best low-cost pitchers available.

14. 89 OVR Jordan Romano (Live Series)

Romano is an underrated bullpen weapon.

Why Romano Is Clutch

Great velocity

Excellent H/9

Strong slider/fastball combo

Perfect late-inning option

A must-have reliever for budget teams.

Best Utility & Versatile Cards
15. 90 OVR Shohei Ohtani (Two-Way)

Ohtani gives you insane flexibility.

Why He’s One of the Most Valuable Cards

Power vs both sides as a hitter

100 mph fastball on the mound

Plays multiple positions

Has several elite quirks

Even his mid-tier cards outperform others.

Final Advice: How to Prioritize These Must-Have Cards

If you want to build a top-tier team quickly, focus on cards that offer:

1. Elite swing animations (hitters)
2. Meta pitch mixes (pitchers)
3. High-value quirks
4. Versatility and positional flexibility
5. Strong defense at key positions (SS, CF, C)

Top early-game lineup construction tip:

Build around Trout, Seager, Betts, and one elite ace like deGrom or MLB Stubs for sale Cole.
The supporting pieces can be budget cards—this still creates a championship-level roster.