Stubs are the lifeblood of MLB The Show 25’s Diamond Dynasty mode, letting you build your dream team, snag elite players, and unlock sweet gear. But let’s be real—stubs are hard-earned, and wasting them on bad decisions can leave you stuck with a weak roster and a whole lot of frustration. As a seasoned player who’s been grinding since launch, I’ve learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t. Here are 23 tips to help you make the most of your stubs without throwing them away.
1. Skip the Packs (Unless You’re Feeling Lucky)
Packs are tempting, but they’re a gamble. You might pull a diamond card, but more often than not, you’ll end up with duplicates or low-value players. Instead of dropping 1,500 stubs on a standard pack, save up and buy the specific player you need from the Marketplace. You’ll get exactly what you want without the risk.
2. Master the Marketplace for Flipping
Flipping cards is one of the best ways to grow your stub count. Look for cards with a big gap between the “Buy Now” and “Sell Now” prices—ideally 600-900 stubs for Gold cards. Place a Buy Order just above the highest bid and a Sell Order just below the lowest ask. Be patient, and watch those stubs stack up.
3. Avoid Quick-Selling Unless Desperate
Quick-selling is a trap. A Diamond card might fetch 5,000 stubs on quick-sell, but it could sell for 8,000-10,000 on the Marketplace. Always check market prices before dumping cards for quick stubs—you’re likely leaving money on the table.
4. Focus on High-Volume Cards
When flipping, target cards with lots of market activity, like popular MLB players or equipment. Low-volume cards might have big spreads, but they can sit unsold for days. Stick to cards that move fast, like relievers or backup outfielders, especially early in the game cycle.
5. Use ShowZone for Market Insights
ShowZone’s Marketplace tools are a game-changer. Filter by tier (like Bronze or Gold) and sort by ROI to find cards with high flip margins. Their database updates in real-time, so you can spot undervalued cards before the market catches up.
6. Don’t Buy Stubs from Shady Sites
It’s tempting to grab cheap stubs from third-party websites, but it’s a huge risk. These sites often violate SDS policy, and you could end up with a banned account. Stick to official platforms like the PlayStation or Xbox stores if you’re buying stubs.
7. Grind Programs for Free Rewards
Programs like the Tokyo Series or Pipeline Program are stub goldmines. Complete moments, missions, and objectives to earn stubs, high-rated players, and packs without spending a dime. These rewards also boost your XP Path, netting you even more stubs.
8. Prioritize Collections for Steady Gains
Head to the “Collections” tab and advance your cards to claim stubs and packs. This is a reliable way to earn rewards while building your roster. Sell any duplicates from packs on the Marketplace instead of keeping them.
9. Conquer Conquest Maps
Conquest mode is a stub-making machine. Many maps have goals that reward stubs without requiring you to capture Strongholds. Plus, hidden rewards like packs and XP can be sold for extra stubs. Use sites like Showdd.io for maps showing hidden reward locations.
10. Dominate Diamond Quest
Diamond Quest is a new mode in MLB The Show 25 and a stub-earning beast. Complete challenges to earn Diamond cards (often worth 4,400+ stubs) and packs. Sell these cards or use them to progress collections for more rewards.
11. Avoid Battle Royale Unless You’re Confident
Battle Royale costs stubs to enter, and unless you’re a top-tier player, you might not break even. Stick to free modes like Diamond Quest or Conquest until you’ve built a strong roster.
12. Leverage the Silver to Gold Exchange
The Silver to Gold Exchange method is a launch-window gem. Buy cheap Silver players (around 150-200 stubs each) and exchange them for a Gold player pack. High-value Golds like Garrett Crochet can sell for way more than your investment. Monitor prices to ensure profitability.
13. Sell Duplicates Immediately
Duplicates clog your inventory and do nothing for your team. List them on the Marketplace using a competitive Sell Order to maximize profit. Don’t let them sit there collecting dust.
14. Play Mini Seasons for Repeatable Rewards
Mini Seasons offer great rewards for completing short, single-player leagues. Load your lineup with Team Affinity players to knock out missions (like 40 hits or 25 IP) for packs and stubs. Restart the season after completing missions for repeatable rewards.
15. Don’t Waste Stubs on Cosmetics
Stadiums, soundbites, and celebrations are cool, but they don’t improve your gameplay. Save your stubs for players or equipment that actually boost your team’s performance.
16. Time Your Market Moves
Card prices fluctuate based on roster updates and real-world performance. Buy low during market dips (like after a content drop) and sell high when demand spikes, like when a player gets a rating boost.
17. Complete Daily Moments
Daily Moments are quick, easy tasks that reward XP, packs, and sometimes stubs. They’re a low-effort way to keep your stub count ticking up while progressing other programs.
18. Use Buy and Sell Orders Wisely
Instant “Buy Now” and “Sell Now” options are convenient but cost you profit. Place Buy Orders slightly above the highest bid and Sell Orders just below the lowest ask to maximize your margins. Patience pays off.
19. Avoid Showdowns with High Entry Fees
Some Showdowns have cheap entry fees but big rewards. Stick to these and avoid high-cost Showdowns unless you’re confident in your hitting skills. The XP and stubs you earn can outweigh the cost if you play smart.
20. Sell Equipment from Road to the Show
Playing Road to the Show (RTTS) can net you equipment and packs. Sell diamond equipment from Ballplayer missions for thousands of stubs. It’s a slow grind but adds up over time.
21. Watch Twitch Streams for Free Packs
Link your game account to Twitch and watch official MLB The Show streams for free packs. These can contain sellable cards or items to boost your collections, saving you stubs.
22. Simulate Smart in Conquest
In Conquest mode, simulate low-risk games to save time, but play high-stakes games (like Strongholds) to maximize rewards. This balance lets you grind stubs efficiently without wasting energy.
23. Stay Active in the Community
Join subreddits like r/MLBTheShow or Discord communities for real-time tips on flipping opportunities, undervalued cards, and new content drops. The community often shares strategies that can save you stubs and boost your earnings.
