Every year, MLB The Show 25 brings a fresh meta, and while everyone chases the big-name diamonds, savvy players know that hidden gems can dominate for a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re building your Dream Team on a budget or looking for sneaky-good additions, these eight underrated players deliver elite performance without draining your stubs.
1. Brendan Donovan (2B/OF - St. Louis Cardinals)
Donovan’s versatility makes him a must-have for any lineup. With contact stats hovering near 90 against both righties and lefties, plus solid fielding at multiple positions, he’s a budget beast. If you need a reliable bat off the bench or a plug-and-play starter, Donovan won’t disappoint.
2. Ezequiel Tovar (SS - Colorado Rockies)
Defensive shortstops with pop are rare, but Tovar fits the bill. His swing is smooth, and Coors Field boosts his power potential. For those who buy MLB The Show 25 stubs wisely, Tovar is a steal compared to flashier shortstops.
3. Tanner Bibee (SP - Cleveland Guardians)
Bibee’s pitch mix plays above his rating. A deceptive fastball-slider combo keeps hitters guessing, and his control minimizes walks. In a meta where pitching is king, Bibee outperforms many higher-rated arms.
4. Josh Lowe (OF - Tampa Bay Rays)
Power-speed threats are always valuable, and Lowe’s swing generates surprising pop. Against right-handed pitching, he’s a monster, and his speed makes him a menace on the bases. For the price, he’s a no-brainer.
5. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B - Pittsburgh Pirates)
Hayes is arguably the best defensive third baseman outside the diamond tier. His bat has improved, and his swing is glitchy in-game. If you buy MLB The Show 25 stubs strategically, Hayes is a defensive anchor with upside.
6. Brandon Pfaadt (SP - Arizona Diamondbacks)
Pfaadt’s breakouts make him a nightmare for opponents. His sinker-changeup combo generates weak contact, and his stamina lets him go deep into games. A perfect back-end rotation piece.
7. Lars Nootbaar (OF - St. Louis Cardinals)
Nootbaar’s balanced swing and elite plate discipline make him a tough out. He rakes against righties and holds his own defensively. For players seeking MLB The Show 25 stubs for sale to optimize their roster, Nootbaar is a high-value target.
8. Bryan Woo (SP - Seattle Mariners)
Woo’s fastball plays up, and his slider is a wipeout pitch. With a low diamond ceiling, he’s a budget ace in the making. Grab him early before his price climbs.
Building a competitive team in MLB The Show 25 doesn’t require splurging on top-tier cards. These eight players prove that value picks can dominate—especially if you know where to look. Whether you’re grinding or choosing to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs, investing in these underrated stars will pay off.
1. Brendan Donovan (2B/OF - St. Louis Cardinals)
Donovan’s versatility makes him a must-have for any lineup. With contact stats hovering near 90 against both righties and lefties, plus solid fielding at multiple positions, he’s a budget beast. If you need a reliable bat off the bench or a plug-and-play starter, Donovan won’t disappoint.
2. Ezequiel Tovar (SS - Colorado Rockies)
Defensive shortstops with pop are rare, but Tovar fits the bill. His swing is smooth, and Coors Field boosts his power potential. For those who buy MLB The Show 25 stubs wisely, Tovar is a steal compared to flashier shortstops.
3. Tanner Bibee (SP - Cleveland Guardians)
Bibee’s pitch mix plays above his rating. A deceptive fastball-slider combo keeps hitters guessing, and his control minimizes walks. In a meta where pitching is king, Bibee outperforms many higher-rated arms.
4. Josh Lowe (OF - Tampa Bay Rays)
Power-speed threats are always valuable, and Lowe’s swing generates surprising pop. Against right-handed pitching, he’s a monster, and his speed makes him a menace on the bases. For the price, he’s a no-brainer.
5. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B - Pittsburgh Pirates)
Hayes is arguably the best defensive third baseman outside the diamond tier. His bat has improved, and his swing is glitchy in-game. If you buy MLB The Show 25 stubs strategically, Hayes is a defensive anchor with upside.
6. Brandon Pfaadt (SP - Arizona Diamondbacks)
Pfaadt’s breakouts make him a nightmare for opponents. His sinker-changeup combo generates weak contact, and his stamina lets him go deep into games. A perfect back-end rotation piece.
7. Lars Nootbaar (OF - St. Louis Cardinals)
Nootbaar’s balanced swing and elite plate discipline make him a tough out. He rakes against righties and holds his own defensively. For players seeking MLB The Show 25 stubs for sale to optimize their roster, Nootbaar is a high-value target.
8. Bryan Woo (SP - Seattle Mariners)
Woo’s fastball plays up, and his slider is a wipeout pitch. With a low diamond ceiling, he’s a budget ace in the making. Grab him early before his price climbs.
Building a competitive team in MLB The Show 25 doesn’t require splurging on top-tier cards. These eight players prove that value picks can dominate—especially if you know where to look. Whether you’re grinding or choosing to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs, investing in these underrated stars will pay off.