What Are Stubs and Why They Matter

Stubs are the in-game currency used across nearly every mode in MLB The Show 25. You can earn them by completing games, challenges, programs, and MLB The Show 25 Stubs marketplace transactions—or purchase them directly. While it’s tempting to spend them fast, strategic players understand that Stubs are best used as investments toward long-term progression.

In Diamond Dynasty, Stubs let you buy player cards, equipment, perks, and training items that directly boost your team’s performance. In Road to the Show, they fund your athlete’s development by unlocking archetypes, skill perks, and cosmetic upgrades. Even in Franchise Mode, they can help streamline your rebuild through training budgets and scouting improvements.

Essentially, every path to greatness in MLB The Show 25 runs through how you earn, save, and spend your Stubs.

Player Progression: How Development Works

Progression systems vary by game mode, but they all revolve around performance, consistency, and experience. Here’s how player progression breaks down in MLB The Show 25:

1. Road to the Show (RTTS)

In RTTS, you control one player’s journey from minor leaguer to MLB superstar. Progression is tied to in-game performance and training sessions. The better your player performs—hitting home runs, striking out batters, or stealing bases—the faster key attributes improve. You can also use training sessions between games to focus on specific stats like contact, power, or fielding.

Stubs come into play when you purchase training boosts, equipment, and archetype upgrades. For example, equipping a Diamond-tier bat grip or Gold cleats can add valuable points to your power and speed ratings. Investing Stubs in the right equipment early accelerates your climb through the ranks.

2. Diamond Dynasty (DD)

In Diamond Dynasty, progression is tied to your overall team rating and player card levels. Each card can gain parallel XP through gameplay. For instance, using the same player in multiple games will gradually unlock Parallel Boosts, improving that player’s stats.

Stubs are essential here for acquiring elite cards on the Community Marketplace. Whether you’re targeting a 99 Overall Shohei Ohtani or a Legend Babe Ruth card, market timing and Stub management dictate how fast your roster improves. Many players use the “flip strategy”—buying low and buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs selling high—to build wealth without spending real money.