MLB The Show 25: How to Get 99 OVR Xavier Edwards
Every new Diamond Dynasty season in MLB The Show 25 introduces a wave of must-have cards, and one of the most exciting this year is 99 OVR Xavier Edwards. Known for his lightning speed, contact-hitting ability, and defensive versatility, Edwards' top-tier card has quickly become a favorite among competitive players. Whether you're looking to build a small-ball lineup, dominate Ranked Seasons, or collect every elite card, unlocking this 99 OVR infielder is a game-changer.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to get 99 OVR Xavier Edwards, including his stats, the programs and missions required, the best strategies to complete them quickly, and how to use him effectively once he's on your roster.
Why Xavier Edwards Matters in Diamond Dynasty
Edwards isn't the biggest power hitter, but his skill set fills a valuable niche in Diamond Dynasty. Here's why this card is worth chasing:
Elite Speed (99) – He's one of the fastest players in MLB The Show 25, giving you an instant weapon on the basepaths.
Contact Machine – His 99 OVR card features excellent contact ratings against both lefties and righties, perfect for hitting consistently in Ranked Seasons.
Defensive Flexibility – Edwards can play 2B, SS, and 3B at high efficiency, giving you lineup-building flexibility.
Switch Hitter – Having a reliable switch hitter adds balance to your batting order and reduces matchup headaches.
In a year where power-heavy lineups dominate, having a player like Edwards who can get on base, steal bags, and pressure defenses adds a different layer of strategy.
How to Unlock 99 OVR Xavier Edwards
Unlike pack-pulled cards, Edwards is program-locked, meaning you must complete specific objectives to unlock him. Here's the full breakdown:
1. Future Stars Spotlight Program
Xavier Edwards is the featured reward in the Future Stars Spotlight Program, a limited-time seasonal program showcasing young talent. To unlock him, you'll need to reach the final reward tier (XP Path at 650,000 XP).
2. How to Earn XP Quickly
Daily Moments: Completing Edwards-related daily moments nets you quick XP.
Team Affinity Missions: Use Rays or Marlins players (Edwards' organizations) to rack up progress.
Conquest Maps: Each Future Stars conquest map offers 25,000–35,000 XP plus hidden rewards.
Showdown: The Future Stars Showdown gives huge chunks of XP in a shorter timeframe if you're efficient.
Mini-Seasons: Completing a mini-season run while using Future Stars players adds bonus program XP.
Tip: Rotate between Conquest and Showdown. Conquest is grind-heavy but safe, while Showdown rewards skilled batting with faster XP.
Edwards' Unlock Path: Step-by-Step
Start the Future Stars Program
Enter the Diamond Dynasty programs tab and activate the Future Stars Spotlight program.
Complete Edwards Moments
Moments tied to Edwards include:
Hitting 3 singles in a game.
Stealing 2 bases successfully.
Turning a double play on defense.
These are designed to showcase his skillset and give you XP toward the program.
Play Conquest Maps
The "Next Generation Conquest Map" includes Edwards' silhouette and offers a whopping 35,000 XP upon completion. Knock this out early to get ahead in the grind.
Showdown Runs
Draft a squad centered around Future Stars players and complete the program-specific Showdown. Successful runs grant about 25,000 XP each.
Team Affinity Missions
If you've built out Rays or Marlins Team Affinity programs, plug in those players. Parallel progress while using them contributes bonus XP.
Hit the 650,000 XP Mark
Once you reach the final tier, Edwards will automatically unlock as a Choice Pack Reward.
99 OVR Xavier Edwards – Full Attribute Breakdown
Here's what makes this card elite:
Contact vs RHP: 113
Contact vs LHP: 109
Power vs RHP: 70
Power vs LHP: 65
Vision: 110
Fielding: 85
Arm Strength: 72
Reaction: 84
Speed: 99
Stealing: 98
Analysis
Offense: Edwards won't be your home run slugger, but he'll consistently get on base thanks to his contact and vision stats.
Defense: Solid at second and short, though arm strength limits his effectiveness at third.
Speed: A nightmare for opponents—he'll force errors and turn singles into doubles.
How to Use Edwards Effectively
Batting Order Placement
Lead-Off Hitter: Best option due to his speed and contact. He sets the tone for your offense.
#9 Hitter: In a stacked lineup, slot him at the bottom to act as a "second leadoff" ahead of power bats.
Gameplay Strategy
Small Ball Approach: Use contact swings and opposite-field hitting to get Edwards on base.
Aggressive Base Running: With 99 speed, steal second almost every time he's on base. Opponents will be forced to pitch differently with him in scoring position.
Defensive Substitution: If you already have a power-heavy infield, Edwards can be subbed in late-game for speed and defense.
Chemistry with Other Players
Pair him with power hitters like Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, or Shohei Ohtani behind him. Edwards on base means those players will always have RBI opportunities.
Tips for Unlocking Him Faster
Stack XP Boosters
Activate XP Boosters from packs or marketplace purchases during your grind sessions. This multiplies your Conquest and Showdown progress.
Focus on Edwards-Style Players
Using other speed-and-contact Future Stars (like CJ Abrams or Oswald Peraza) grants synergy in program missions, accelerating XP.
Grind Mini-Seasons Offline
These are less stressful than Ranked play and allow you to accumulate XP while practicing with players.
Weekend Events
Some limited-time online events grant double XP. If you're comfortable playing online, these will cut hours off your grind.
How Edwards Fits in the Current Meta
Strengths in Ranked Seasons
Edwards is particularly effective in Ranked due to the prevalence of power-pitching. His high contact ratings and vision make him less likely to strike out against meta pitchers like Randy Johnson or Jacob deGrom.
Weaknesses
His lack of power means he won't change games with one swing. Against players who rely on home runs, you'll need to get creative with base stealing and hit-and-run tactics.
Endgame Viability
While his power limits him long-term compared to 99 OVR sluggers, Edwards' speed and switch-hitting ability keep him relevant in competitive play for months. He's also invaluable in Battle Royale lineups where quick contact and speed dominate.
Market and Collection Value
Though Edwards is a program reward and not tradable on the marketplace, his value in Collections is significant:
Future Stars Collection: Edwards contributes as a top-tier piece for special packs and rewards.
Set Collections: If you're chasing endgame rewards like 99 OVR legends (e.g., Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr.), Edwards is a must-own card.
Comparison: Edwards vs. Other Elite Infielders
Francisco Lindor (99 OVR) – Lindor offers better power and defense but lacks Edwards' speed.
Jose Altuve (97 OVR) – Similar contact skills, but Edwards' switch hitting and speed make him more versatile.
Bobby Witt Jr. (98 OVR) – Witt is more balanced in power and defense, but Edwards dominates in base running.
In short, Edwards is unique enough to stand alongside the best middle infielders in MLB The Show 25.
Is He Worth the Grind?
Absolutely. The Future Stars Spotlight Program grind is lengthy but rewarding, with Edwards as the ultimate prize. Even if you already have a stacked infield, his ability to disrupt opponents with speed makes him an invaluable bench weapon at the very least.
If you're serious about competing in Ranked Seasons or simply want a different kind of weapon in Diamond Dynasty, Edwards is a must-have.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking 99 OVR Xavier Edwards in MLB The Show 25 requires patience and dedication, but the payoff is huge. His combination of contact hitting, speed, and defensive flexibility makes him a standout card early in the Diamond Dynasty cycle. By grinding through the Future Stars Spotlight Program, completing moments, Conquest maps, and Showdowns, you'll secure one of the most unique players available. Once you get him, train him with MLB The Show 25 Stubs, it's definitely worth it!
Edwards may not launch 450-foot home runs, but his ability to manufacture runs, pressure defenses, and provide consistent offense makes him a player who wins games in ways that sluggers alone cannot. For any player who values strategy, small ball, and versatility, 99 OVR Xavier Edwards is the perfect addition to your squad.
MMOexp MLB 25 Team