MLB The Show 25 has brought an exciting array of Diamond Dynasty cards that you can obtain either for free or at a bargain price. If you're looking to build a competitive team without spending a fortune, this guide will break down the best budget-friendly options. We'll divide this into two categories: cards you can earn by just playing the game and cards that are incredibly cheap but worth picking up on the marketplace.

Free Cards You Can Earn by Playing the Game

Cornerstone Evolution Pack – Ubaldo Jiménez

One of the earliest rewards from the XP path in MLB The Show 25 is the Cornerstone Evolution Pack, which provides a silver player that can evolve into a diamond. Among the options, Ubaldo Jiménez stands out as the best pick. His arsenal includes a sinker and splitter, making him a strong starting pitcher with great accuracy and solid attributes. If you're looking for a pitcher who can dominate even on Hall of Fame difficulty, Ubaldo is a great choice.

Pipeline Program – Christian Moore & Kumar Rocker

The Pipeline Program offers some fantastic budget-friendly players:

• Christian Moore (2B/SS) – A well-rounded gold card with 70+ attributes in nearly every important category.

• Kumar Rocker (SP) – A great gold-level pitcher with solid control and a good mix of pitches.

• Nick Kurtz (1B) – If you're looking for a power hitter, Kurtz is a great option with an impressive swing.

• Dalton Rushing (C) – One of the best free catchers in the game, providing decent power and defensive skills.

• Jordan Lawlar (SS) – Speed and defense make him an excellent bench option for late-game substitutions.

• Walker Jenkins (OF) – A powerful bat that improves as you progress through tougher difficulty settings.

Spring Breakout Program – Leo de Vries

If you want to secure Leo de Vries, you'll need to complete the Spring Breakout Showdown multiple times. While it takes some effort, this switch-hitting infielder boasts excellent defensive and offensive attributes. With 84 reactions, 80 speed, and well-balanced hitting, he's a must-have.

Other strong cards from this program include:

• Jackson Ferris (SP) – A solid gold pitcher.

• Connor Griffin (SS/3B) – A great budget gold infielder.

• Chase Dollander (SP) – A diamond pitcher with a high-velocity sinker but some control issues.

• Max Clark (OF) – A defensive powerhouse with speed.

• JJ Wetherholt (2B/SS) – A great contact hitter who has performed well against online competition.

Tokyo Program – Yoshinobu Yamamoto & Seiya Suzuki

The Tokyo Program offers a great selection of budget-friendly cards:

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (SP) – With five strong pitches, good accuracy, and solid break, he's a reliable starter.

• Seiya Suzuki (OF) – Offers 88 reaction in the outfield and solid hitting.

• Shota Imanaga (SP) – While not overpowering, he's useful for offline modes.

• Shohei Ohtani (DH/SP) – Always a popular choice, especially in Diamond Quest events.

Diamond Quest Rewards – Travis Bazzana & Matt Shaw

• Travis Bazzana (2B/OF) – One of the most consistent hitters available for free. While he lacks top-end power, his ability to make contact makes him a strong leadoff option.

• Matt Shaw (3B/SS/2B) – Great positional versatility and gold shield defense at parallel 3.

• Noah Schultz (SP) – A lefty pitcher with a nasty sweeper and solid control.

Mini Seasons – CC Sabathia & Lee Smith

• CC Sabathia (SP) – To obtain Sabathia, you must win the championship in Mini Seasons, which requires winning about 18 games. He doesn't throw hard, but his control and accuracy make him reliable.

• Lee Smith (RP) – Dominates early in Diamond Dynasty every year. Great for bullpen depth.

Team Affinity – Eric Gagne, Joe Kelly, & More

Each Team Affinity program offers great rewards:

• Eric Gagne (RP) – One of the best free bullpen options in the game.

• Joe Kelly (RP) – His silver card is shockingly effective.

• Other Notables: Plenty of solid hitters and pitchers available for grinding through Team Affinity.

Best Budget Cards to Buy on the Marketplace

If you're willing to spend a small amount of MLB 25 stubs, these cards are extremely affordable yet perform like elite-tier players.

Travis Bazzana (2B/OF) – 12K Stubs

While available in Diamond Quest, you can also buy Bazzana for just 12K stubs. Given his well-balanced attributes and positional versatility, he's one of the best investments you can make.

Matt Shaw (3B/SS/2B) – 10-12K Stubs

Another player available through Diamond Quest but also affordable on the marketplace. His ability to play multiple infield positions without an out-of-position penalty makes him valuable.

Noah Schultz (SP) – 10-15K Stubs

One of the best budget starting pitchers, featuring a nasty sweeper, great pitch mix, and solid control. He's effective even against high-level opponents.

CC Sabathia (SP) – 15-20K Stubs

If you don't want to grind Mini Seasons, CC Sabathia is often available at a reasonable price. His control-focused pitching style makes him effective against disciplined hitters.

Lee Smith (RP) – 8-12K Stubs

An essential budget bullpen arm, dominating early in Diamond Dynasty every year.

Seiya Suzuki (OF) – 10-15K Stubs

A well-balanced outfielder with great defense and speed. He's one of the best budget options in his position.

Shohei Ohtani (DH/SP) – 15-20K Stubs

While Ohtani's premium cards cost a fortune, his budget versions still offer two-way versatility. He's great for offline play and events.

Final Thoughts

MLB The Show 25 offers plenty of ways to build a strong team without spending stubs. Whether you grind programs like Team Affinity, Spring Breakout, and Diamond Quest, or buy budget-friendly players like Travis Bazzana and Noah Schultz, you can compete at a high level without breaking the bank.

MMOexp MLB 25 Team