MLB The Show 25: Neon Series Guide
One of the most exciting content drops of the year in MLB The Show 25 Diamond Dynasty has arrived: the Neon Series. This brand-new card series introduces a fresh visual style and powerful player selections that will shape the meta for months to come. The Neon Series combines unique artwork with attribute boosts tied to standout skill sets, making these cards highly desirable for both collectors and competitive players.
The AL East Team Affinity program brings some massive names to the table, with legends and future stars alike receiving Neon upgrades. Here's your first look at who's repping the AL East:
Shawn Green
Derek Jeter
Marcelo Mayer
Chandler Simpson
This guide will give you everything you need to know about the Neon Series AL East drop — from card overviews and attribute predictions to grind tips, lineup advice, and ways to maximize rewards through Team Affinity.
What is the Neon Series?
The Neon Series is a new card program in MLB The Show 25, themed around "bright lights and big performances."Each card gets a unique neon-inspired card art design and boosted attributes that emphasize the player's defining skills.
Like the Face of the Franchise or Future Stars programs of past games, Neon cards are highly collectible and typically feature:
Upgraded Legends (Shawn Green, Derek Jeter)
Top Prospects (Marcelo Mayer)
Emerging Stars (Chandler Simpson)
They'll be available through Team Affinity programs, Moments, and Showdown grinds, with some packs available in the market.
AL East Neon Cards Breakdown
Let's take a closer look at each of the AL East Neon players.
Shawn Green (Toronto Blue Jays Legend)
Role: Power Hitting Outfielder
Predicted Rating: 95 OVR
Why He Fits Neon: Green was one of the most consistent power hitters of his era, with smooth swings and highlight performances for the Blue Jays. His Neon card will likely emphasize power and contact vs RHP, giving him middle-of-the-order value.
Strengths:
High Power vs RHP (95+)
Solid Contact ratings
Good fielding and decent arm in RF/LF
Weaknesses:
Below-average speed (65–70 range)
Struggles more against LHP
Lineup Fit: Green will be a reliable corner outfielder for early- and mid-cycle teams. He's a safe middle-order bat with pop, best slotted into lineups that already feature speed and defense in CF.
Derek Jeter (New York Yankees Legend)
Role: Contact Hitting Shortstop
Predicted Rating: 96 OVR
Why He Fits Neon: The Captain is a face of baseball history, and his Neon card reflects leadership and consistency. Expect elite contact ratings, good fielding, and clutch attributes.
Strengths:
100+ Contact vs LHP and RHP
Excellent Clutch rating for RISP situations
Solid defense at SS (gold-fielding tier)
Weaknesses:
Low Power (60–75 range)
Average arm strength compared to other shortstops
Lineup Fit: Perfect for players who prefer high-contact, line-drive hitters at shortstop. Jeter is more of a table setter than a slugger, but his reliability at the plate and in the field makes him valuable in Ranked play.
Marcelo Mayer (Boston Red Sox Top Prospect)
Role: Balanced Future Star SS/3B
Predicted Rating: 94 OVR
Why He Fits Neon: Mayer is one of the Red Sox's most hyped prospects. His Neon card introduces him as a versatile two-way infielder with pop and defense.
Strengths:
Balanced attributes across Contact and Power
Excellent fielding (85+) and arm
Secondary position flexibility (SS/3B)
Weaknesses:
Slightly slower swing timing
Not elite speed
Lineup Fit: Mayer is an excellent budget-friendly shortstop option. He doesn't have the ceiling of Jeter, but his well-roundedness makes him useful in offline grinds and early Ranked.
Chandler Simpson (Tampa Bay Rays Prospect)
Role: Speed/Contact Utility Player
Predicted Rating: 92 OVR
Why He Fits Neon: Simpson is one of the fastest prospects in baseball, and his Neon card is built around elite speed and contact hitting.
Strengths:
99 Speed, 99 Stealing
High Contact vs RHP
Can play multiple positions (2B/CF/LF)
Weaknesses:
Minimal Power (30–50 range)
Average defensive arm
Lineup Fit: Simpson is an ideal bench weapon for pinch running or late-game small-ball strategies. For players who enjoy speed-focused gameplay, he can even start in CF or 2B.
How to Unlock AL East Neon Series Cards
The Neon Series is integrated into Team Affinity Season Programs. Here's how to unlock the AL East set:
Team Affinity Programs
Complete TA-specific missions with AL East players (hits, HRs, Ks).
Play Moments tied to each featured Neon card.
Earn progress through Conquest and Showdown maps.
Moments
Example: Hit 2 HRs with Shawn Green in a single game.
Example: Get 3 hits as Derek Jeter in a simulated Yankees game.
Showdown
A special Neon-themed Showdown path with boss battles against AL East pitchers.
Conquest
Neon Conquest maps reward Team Affinity vouchers and packs that unlock AL East Neon cards.
Collections
Completing AL East Neon collections can give bonus XP and extra packs.
Best Order to Grind
To maximize efficiency:
Start with Moments – Quick, offline, and efficient for early progress.
Play Conquest – Stacks XP, vouchers, and packs while progressing TA.
Run Showdown – Adds a big chunk of TA points quickly.
Grind Online Missions – Use AL East cards in Ranked, Events, or Battle Royale for mission progress.
Lineup Strategies with AL East Neon Cards
Ranked Season Play
Outfield: Shawn Green in RF/LF gives you a power bat. Pair with a speedy CF (e.g., Trout, Buxton) to cover range.
Infield: Jeter at SS for contact, Mayer as a backup or 3B option.
Bench: Chandler Simpson as your pinch-running weapon.
Events
Neon cards are often event-eligible. Their balanced stats make them strong options for capped rosters.
Conquest & Showdown
Use Simpson for base-running missions.
Use Green for HR-focused missions.
Market & Investment Tips
Stockpile AL East Live Series Players
Needed for TA progress; prices spike when Neon drops.
Sell Early
Neon packs may flood the market at release, but prices rebound later.
Invest in Speedsters
Cards like Simpson can inflate in value during speed-based missions or Events.
Are They Worth It?
Shawn Green – Yes, especially if you lack a power-hitting OF.
Derek Jeter – Depends on your playstyle; great for contact-first lineups.
Marcelo Mayer – Solid all-rounder, good for budget and offline grinds.
Chandler Simpson – Not a meta starter but incredible as a pinch runner.
If you're grinding Team Affinity anyway, all are worth picking up — but prioritize Green and Jeter for Ranked.
Comparison to Other Series
Neon vs. Future Stars – Neon cards have a higher ceiling because they include legends alongside prospects.
Neon vs. Incognito Series (MLB 24) – Similar in uniqueness but with more visual flair and balanced boosts.
Neon vs. Live Series – Significantly better attributes; Neon cards will dominate the early-to-mid meta.
Final Thoughts
The Neon Series AL East drop in MLB The Show 25 is one of the most exciting early content updates. With stars like Shawn Green and Derek Jeter leading the way, plus the prospect appeal of Marcelo Mayer and Chandler Simpson, this set offers something for every type of player. Don't hesitate, building this deck with MLB The Show 25 Stubs is definitely worth the money.
Whether you're building a competitive Ranked squad, grinding offline programs, or just collecting iconic cards, these Neon additions bring fresh energy to Diamond Dynasty. By focusing on Team Affinity grinds, smartly investing in the market, and strategically placing these cards in your lineup, you'll maximize the value of this content drop and stay ahead of the curve.
In short: Grind TA, grab the Neon cards, and light up your Diamond Dynasty roster with the AL East's brightest stars.
MMOexp MLB 25 Team