MLB The Show 25 Beginner’s Guide: How to Get Started

How to Build a Winning Diamond Dynasty Team – MLB The Show 25

Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 25 is a competitive and rewarding mode where you collect cards, build your dream team, and face off against others online or in solo challenges. This guide will show you how to build a strong, balanced team without overspending stubs.


1. Complete Starter Programs and Missions

As soon as you enter Diamond Dynasty, head into the Program tab and complete the starter missions. These reward you with packs, stubs, and players that will form the core of your team early on.

2. Focus on Team Affinity and Featured Programs

Team Affinity and seasonal Featured Programs offer powerful cards for free. Complete Moments, Missions, and Showdowns tied to these programs to earn top-tier rewards without spending real money.

3. Balance Your Lineup

Build a lineup that includes power hitters, contact bats, speed threats, and solid fielders. Don’t load your lineup with all sluggers—defensive ability and situational hitters win games too.

4. Don’t Forget the Bullpen

A great bullpen is crucial. Include a mix of lefties and righties, and prioritize pitchers with outlier velocity or deceptive deliveries. Relievers can win or lose games in close matchups.

5. Use the Marketplace Smartly

Buy low, sell high. Watch trends and target undervalued players. Don’t waste stubs on overpriced cards early in the season—most prices drop later. Set buy orders instead of buying instantly to save stubs.

6. Play Mini Seasons and Conquest

These offline modes are great for earning packs, XP, and stubs while still progressing your team. They’re also less stressful than online matches and let you test different lineups.

7. Check Attributes Before Adding Cards

Not all high overall cards play well. Always review a card’s hitting zones, pitch mix, and quirks. Some 84-overall cards outperform diamonds due to better swing animations or pitch repertoires.

8. Rotate Players Based on Hot Zones and Matchups

Take advantage of platoons. If a batter mashes lefties but struggles against righties, keep a backup with the opposite splits. Strategic substitutions make a big difference late in games.

9. Participate in Ranked Seasons and Events

Even if you’re not an online expert, you can earn excellent rewards by participating in Ranked or Event games. Just one or two wins often grant packs, XP, and progress in programs.

10. Stay Active with Daily Moments and Updates

Log in daily to complete simple challenges that reward XP, packs, or stubs. Follow in-game news to stay updated on limited-time programs, new collections, and flash sales.


Final Thoughts

Diamond Dynasty offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re a casual card collector or a competitive grinder, building a winning team is all about smart decisions and consistent progress. Focus on completing programs, mastering the market, and putting together a well-rounded squad—and you’ll be a championship contender in no time.