Best Ways to Spend Your Stubs in MLB The Show 25

When you first start grinding in MLB The Show 25, it doesn't take long to realize just how important Stubs are. Stubs are the game's main currency, used for everything from acquiring top-tier players in Diamond Dynasty to buying equipment, uniforms, perks, and more. Whether you earn them by playing or buy them with real money, every Stub is valuable—and spending them wisely can make a huge difference in how competitive your team becomes.

But with countless temptations in the Marketplace, limited-time packs, and flashy new content dropping weekly, it's easy to burn through your balance without much return. That's why having a smart Stub strategy is crucial. In this article, I'll walk you through the best ways to spend your Stubs in MLB The Show 25 based on experience, community consensus, and what offers the best long-term value for your squad.

1. Focus on Core Players for Your Lineup

Before chasing high-rated legends or flashy live series cards, it's essential to build a strong core lineup. This means spending your Stubs on reliable, consistent players who fit your playstyle. Are you a contact hitter who thrives on speed and base stealing? Or do you prefer a power-heavy approach that can turn games around with one swing? Understanding how you play helps you target the right cards.

Instead of investing 50,000+ Stubs in one superstar, consider spreading that out across multiple solid Gold or low Diamond-tier players. For example, a versatile infielder who can play multiple positions and bat anywhere in the lineup can bring more value to your team than a single outfielder with elite power but poor defense. Look for players with balanced stats, strong quirks (like “First Pitch Hitter” or “Unfazed”), and high clutch ratings. These are the kinds of cards that perform well beyond their overall rating and can carry your team through competitive games.

Also, check out community-recommended “budget beasts.” Each year, the community identifies several low-cost players who punch above their weight class in terms of performance. These cards are often overlooked but provide immense value for their price.

2. Invest in Pitching Early

Pitching can make or break your game in MLB The Show 25, especially in Ranked Seasons or Online modes. A solid rotation and dependable bullpen are essential if you want to keep your ERA low and stay competitive in close games. That's why it's smart to direct your Stubs toward upgrading your pitching staff early in the game cycle.

Start by focusing on pitchers with good control and pitch mix rather than just velocity. While 100-mph fastballs can be effective, experienced players tend to crush predictable throwers. Instead, look for pitchers who can change speeds effectively and have a usable off-speed repertoire—especially cards with sinkers, cutters, or sweeping curves.

Don't forget your bullpen. Having one or two high-Stamina relievers with clutch traits can help you survive extra innings or tough matchups. Middle relievers are often undervalued in the market, making them a great place to find performance-per-dollar value.

Also, keep in mind stamina and confidence play a big role. Even a top-tier starter can struggle if they're fatigued, so depth is key. A well-rounded pitching staff allows you to rotate efficiently and adapt to any game situation.

3. Buy Packs Sparingly—Use the Marketplace Instead

It's hard to resist the excitement of opening packs—but when it comes to Stub efficiency, packs are rarely the best choice. Most packs have a low chance of pulling high-value cards, and the odds are clearly stacked in favor of the house. If you're hoping to pull a Diamond, you'll usually be disappointed. That's why smart players generally avoid spending large amounts of Stubs on packs.

Instead, the Marketplace gives you full control. You can target specific players you want, compare prices in real time, and even place Buy Orders to get cards for less than the lowest listed price. This is especially useful when building out collections or targeting key players to round out your roster.

Another benefit of using the Marketplace is timing. Prices fluctuate constantly—especially during roster updates, special events, or new content drops. If you keep an eye on trends, you can buy low and even flip cards for profit. Many experienced players build their Stub balance by sniping undervalued cards and selling them when demand rises.

Unless a pack offers a guaranteed high-tier card or is part of a special promo with strong odds, it's usually better to skip it and stick to targeted spending through the Marketplace.

4. Save Stubs for Program-Specific Cards

One of the smartest Stub strategies in MLB The Show 25 is saving up for limited-time content tied to Featured Programs, Team Affinity, or special seasonal events. These Programs often introduce powerful cards that you can earn or unlock by completing missions, moments, and exchanges. However, completing those objectives sometimes requires certain players, equipment, or items that spike in price when the Program launches.

By having a healthy Stub reserve, you're in a much better position to react quickly. For example, if a Program requires collecting players from a certain team, their prices will skyrocket within hours of the announcement. Players who already have Stubs saved can swoop in early and grab what they need before the market inflates.

Moreover, some Programs include special choice packs or reward paths that let you buy your way through milestones faster. Spending Stubs to skip grind-heavy steps—especially if your time is limited—can be a great investment if the final reward is a game-changing card. These cards often dominate the online meta, so staying ready for Program drops gives you both a competitive edge and better long-term value for your currency.

5. Complete Collections and Exchanges Strategically

Collections in Diamond Dynasty offer some of the most powerful rewards in the game—often unlocking unique cards that can't be obtained any other way. But jumping into collections too quickly or blindly throwing Stubs at random teams can be a costly mistake. Instead, you should approach collections like a long-term goal.

Start by identifying one or two collections that offer rewards aligning with your playstyle. For example, if you're a contact hitter, target collections that unlock high-average, high-speed players. Then, slowly build toward completion by buying low-cost players during market dips. Use the “Buy Order” system to get the best prices, and take advantage of Flash Sales or daily deals that can help you pick up items more cheaply.

Exchanges are another tool you can use efficiently—turning duplicate or lower-tier items into better rewards. But again, timing is everything. Don't overpay for cards just to rush an exchange. Watch for when the exchange rewards align with active Programs or Events, and then invest.

A well-planned collection strategy pays off with strong, permanent roster additions that stay relevant for much of the game cycle. These are the kinds of investments that can define your team's identity.

6. Customize Your Ballplayer and Equipment

If you spend any time in Road to the Show (RTTS) or use your Ballplayer in Diamond Dynasty, investing in equipment can be one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your stats. Equipment items—such as gloves, bats, cleats, and rituals—add permanent attribute boosts to your Ballplayer, enhancing power, speed, fielding, and more.

While some high-end items can be expensive, mid-tier gear often provides solid boosts at a reasonable price. Look for pieces that align with your Ballplayer's archetype and skill focus. For instance, a Slugger archetype benefits most from power-boosting bats and rituals, while a speedster build gains more from cleats and gloves.

Equipment also stacks with perks and archetypes, so these upgrades compound over time. The best part? Once purchased, you can use them across multiple game modes, making it a long-term investment that pays off in both offline and online play.

If you're serious about using your Ballplayer competitively, spending a portion of your Stubs on equipment is almost essential.

7. Hold Stubs for Flash Sales and Special Events

Throughout the year, MLB The Show 25 features special Flash Sales, limited-time pack offers, and event-exclusive items that can provide tremendous value—but only if you're ready when they drop. These sales are typically unannounced in advance and last for a short window, creating a rush in the Marketplace and item store.

By keeping a reserve of Stubs on hand, you position yourself to take full advantage of these opportunities. For example, Flash Sales might offer discounted Headliner packs, special Choice Packs with guaranteed Diamonds, or bundles that include bonus items. Sometimes, even rare cosmetics or uniforms are discounted during these short windows.

Smart players check the game's official Twitter feed or Reddit threads during peak content hours (usually Friday afternoons or major content release dates) to stay ahead of the curve. If you're ready with saved Stubs, you can snipe deals while others scramble to sell off cards or gather currency.

Ultimately, Flash Sales reward patience and preparation. Spending Stubs during these windows often nets you more value than regular purchases, especially if you're focused on building a deep, competitive roster.