Cody Bellinger in MLB 25: How to Get Him and Why His Cards Matter
Few batters in modern baseball blend raw power, elite contact ability, and reliable defense like Cody Bellinger. It's no surprise that in MLB The Show 25, his cards remain fan favorites for competitive Diamond Dynasty lineups. Whether you're building your ultimate roster or searching for top-tier outfielders and first basemen, understanding how to unlock Bellinger—and what his card versions offer—is essential.
This comprehensive guide explains what Cody Bellinger is in MLB The Show 25 and how to get him, detailing all known card variants, reward paths, and gameplay benefits.
What Is Cody Bellinger in MLB The Show 25
In MLB The Show 25, "Cody Bellinger" refers not to a single player instance but to multiple in-game cards representing the real-world MLB star across various series, ratings, and release programs. Typically, Diamond Dynasty cards come in different tiers—ranging from early-game versions to elite end-game diamonds—and Bellinger follows that pattern.
Multiple Card Variants
Bellinger appears in several versions in MLB The Show 25, each with unique ratings and acquisition methods:
Live Series — 89 OVR Diamond: Available in packs or the marketplace; represents his current-season stats.
New Threads Series — 88 OVR Diamond: A rarer version obtainable from specialized "New Threads" packs.
Spotlight Series — 98 OVR Diamond: High-tier reward from the July Spotlight Drop 2 program.
2025 Finest — 99 OVR Diamond: Premium late-season reward from Team Affinity Finest content.
Each version reflects a stage of the yearly content lifecycle: live and early-season cards give you a start, while Spotlight and Finest usually highlight peak performance or themed events. These cards also allow Bellinger to play multiple positions—commonly center field (primary), first base, left field, and right field—making him extremely valuable for lineup flexibility.
Common Strengths Across Cards
Regardless of version, Bellinger's in-game identity is consistent:
Excellent offensive production: Even his mid-tier cards offer strong contact vs left-hand pitching and decent power across splits.
Good defensive ability: Cards typically include solid fielding ratings, strong outfield arm strength, and reliable reaction time.
Adequate speed: While not elite on the basepaths, his cards have moderate speed and acceptable stealing attributes.
Quirks and boosts: Most cards include "Road Warrior" and "Night Player," meaning he performs better in away games and at night.
These patterns mean that players adding Bellinger to their lineup are getting a balanced all-around hitter with clutch potential, combined with dependable defense and flexibility across multiple fielding positions.
How to Get Cody Bellinger in MLB The Show 25
Unlocking Cody Bellinger depends on which card version you want. Some are simple pack pulls, while premium ones require grinding XP or completing missions.
1. Live Series Bellinger (Pack or Marketplace)
The Live Series Cody Bellinger—an 89 Overall diamond—can be pulled from standard MLB The Show packs or purchased on the community market.
Acquisition: Normal "The Show" packs, community marketplace, or daily login rewards.
Drop rates: Approximately 1 in 2273 packs, highlighting its rarity but making it obtainable without completing missions.
Why it matters: This version is your primary early- and mid-season opportunity to get Bellinger without completing grind-heavy programs.
Because its stats reflect real-life performance, this card gets updated throughout the season. Even so, it provides dependable contact, elite vision, and well-rounded gameplay traits.
2. New Threads Bellinger (Exclusive Pack Drop)
The New Threads 88 OVR diamond version is usually rarer than the Live Series because it appears only through themed packs.
Acquisition: "New Threads" pack drops or marketplace purchase.
Drop rate: Around 1 in 25,000 packs—making it significantly rarer.
Gameplay: Solid but not elite, with balanced contact and power plus good defense.
This card appeals mainly to collectors and early-season roster builders. While not the most powerful Bellinger variant, its rarity and prestige make it valuable in-game trading.
3. Spotlight Bellinger (Program Reward)
The 98 OVR Spotlight Cody Bellinger is widely regarded as one of the best all-around versions of the player.
How to Unlock Through Spotlight Program
To earn this version, players must complete the July Spotlight Drop 2 Program, which features multiple tasks and missions for XP progression.
Key milestone example:
Reach 50 XP in the program reward path to unlock Bellinger.
Progression-style tasks include:
Moments: Specific real-world highlights recreated in-game (e.g., first-half milestones or MVP achievements).
Extreme moments: Challenges like hitting multiple home runs with Bellinger in a single game.
Missions: Earn Parallel XP, total bases, or home runs with program-themed players to gain points.
Completing these objectives steadily accumulates XP that unlocks packs, XP boosts, and ultimately the Spotlight Bellinger card at the top of the reward track.
Why Spotlight Bellinger Is Popular
Stats matter. His 98 overall rating reflects elite hitting and fielding:
118 contact vs RHP and 110 vs LHP.
Up to 103 power vs left-handed pitching.
82 fielding and 93 arm strength defensively.
These numbers place the Spotlight version among the stronger outfield and first-base options in the game's meta.
4. 2025 Finest Bellinger (Team Affinity)
The most powerful Bellinger card is the 2025 Finest 99 Overall diamond, released later in the content cycle.
Acquisition: Team Affinity Finest program reward.
Gameplay strength: Outstanding all-around stats, including extremely high clutch ratings and defensive excellence.
This card builds on the strengths of the Spotlight version but improves them across the board, especially in plate discipline, defensive reaction, and hitting vs both splits.
Finest cards are usually end-game content, designed for players who want dominant competitive lineups.
Tips and Strategy: Which Cody Bellinger Should You Get
Choosing the right Bellinger version depends on your goals, resources, and playstyle.
Best Early-Game Approach
The Live Series version is typically the most attainable first step. You can pull it from standard packs or buy it on the marketplace, making it accessible for new players who need a reliable contact-and-power hitter without grinding programs.
Best Free-to-Unlock Reward
The Spotlight version is the top‐choice grind reward. It offers elite stats and is considered a "free option" once you work through the July Spotlight program tasks.
Because it doesn't require MLB 25 stubs, many players prioritize this version through gameplay rather than trading.
Best End-Game Choice
The 2025 Finest card is the clear winner for elite competitive teams. Its top-tier hitting, fielding, and clutch ratings outperform other Bellinger versions and rank near the top among all outfielders.
However, it requires deeper progression and dedication to program objectives, making it ideal for veteran players.
Why Cody Bellinger Cards Matter in Diamond Dynasty
Bellinger's long-time reputation as a potent offensive player in real MLB translates directly into his digital persona. Even his mid-range cards can serve as foundational lineup pieces thanks to:
Positional versatility: Ability to play CF, 1B, LF, or RF, maximizing lineup structure.
Meta competitiveness: Many versions show "elite Meta Scores," emphasizing strong competitive impact.
Clutch hitting: High batting-with-runners-in-scoring-position ratings mean Bellinger excels in key gameplay scenarios.
These traits make him a consistent mainstay among top Diamond Dynasty rosters.
Final Thoughts
Cody Bellinger's presence in MLB The Show 25 reflects both his real-world MLB achievements and his popularity among fans of the franchise. Understanding how to get him and what each version offers helps you build a stronger, smarter Diamond Dynasty lineup.
Live Series: accessible baseline card.
New Threads: rare collectible mid-tier card.
Spotlight: free elite grinder reward.
Finest: end-game powerhouse.
Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated competitor, unlocking Cody Bellinger in MLB The Show 25 is worth the effort. His combination of power, contact, defense, and positional versatility makes him one of the most valuable hitters and outfielders available—and building your roster around him can dramatically enhance your performance across the game.
MMOexp MLB 25 Team