MLB The Show 25 has continued to push the envelope for competitive card collecting and online baseball action through its Diamond Dynasty mode. With Season 3 now underway and a mix of Signature Series, Set 3 Lightning cards, All-Star Flashbacks, and Future Stars dominating the landscape, it’s time to break down the top 3 cards at every position. Whether you're grinding Ranked Seasons, Events, MLB The Show 25 Stubs or preparing for the next big tournament, these are the elite cards you should be building around.

Catcher

1. Joe Mauer (Signature Series)

Joe Mauer remains the gold standard behind the plate. With a perfect 125 contact against both sides, solid 90+ power, elite defense (99 Fielding, 94 Arm), and a lightning-quick pop time, Mauer is the complete package. He’s also one of the few lefty-hitting catchers that can hit high fastballs and outside sinkers consistently.

2. Adley Rutschman (All-Star 2024)

Switch-hitting with a great swing, Rutschman brings solid attributes across the board, including 100+ contact, 85–95 power, and strong defensive ratings. His versatility against any handed pitcher is invaluable for competitive players.

3. Gary Sánchez (Retro Finest)

If you want a power-heavy catcher for moonshots, Sánchez is your man. With 110+ power vs both sides and underrated arm strength, he’s perfect for aggressive players—though his 60 Fielding limits him defensively.

First Base

1. David Ortiz (Signature Series)

Big Papi dominates at the plate with maxed out power and a smooth swing. He’s a DH at heart, but in a game where offense is king, he’s the #1 choice for slugging at first base.

2. Lou Gehrig (Awards Series)

Gehrig combines elite contact, home run power, and better-than-expected defense. His swing is clean, and his clutch rating helps in high-leverage moments, making him a perfect all-around option.

3. Pete Alonso (2024 Home Run Derby)

"Polar Bear" Pete is a power monster. Though his contact is lower than Ortiz or Gehrig, his 120+ power ratings make him one of the best HR threats in Diamond Dynasty.

Second Base

1. Mookie Betts (Set 3 Lightning)

Mookie’s Set 3 Lightning card has made waves, with high contact, sneaky pop (100+ power vs L), elite speed, and 95+ fielding. His secondary positions also add flexibility.

2. Jackie Robinson (99 Overall Awards)

Jackie brings speed (99), contact (125 vs both), and incredible reaction time at second base. He’s less of a power bat but perfect for small-ball and contact-focused lineups.

3. Jose Altuve (2024 All-Star)

Short but mighty, Altuve hits bombs with his 115+ power vs LHP, and is slick with the glove. His lower arm strength holds him back slightly, but his bat more than makes up for it.

Third Base

1. Chipper Jones (Signature Series)

Switch-hitting, balanced power, 95+ fielding, and a cannon arm—Chipper is the king of third. His presence at the hot corner also lets you flex him at shortstop if needed.

2. Nolan Arenado (2024 Finest)

If you need elite defense, Arenado is unmatched. Add in 100+ power and 90+ contact, and you’ve got a third baseman who’s both reliable and explosive.

3. Rafael Devers (Retro Finest)

Devers hits nukes. His defensive skills are just average, but his 125 power against righties and clutch hitting puts him ahead in offensive meta builds.

Shortstop

1. Cal Ripken Jr. (Milestone)

He’s the defensive GOAT at short, with 99 everything on defense and unexpected pop at the plate. His big frame and strong animations make him the top option.

2. Derek Jeter (Signature Series)

Jeter is the contact king, with smooth fielding and elite base-running IQ. He’s not a big slugger, but in clutch or Ranked play, he gets on base better than almost anyone.

3. Elly De La Cruz (Future Star 99 OVR)

The most athletic shortstop in the game, Elly combines blazing 99 speed, solid switch-hitting power, and highlight-reel fielding plays. If you like aggressive baserunning, he’s your guy.

Left Field

1. Barry Bonds (99 Overall)

If you're lucky enough to have unlocked Bonds this season, you already know—he’s the most feared hitter in the game. 125 everything on offense, plus a cannon in the outfield.

2. Ricky Henderson (Awards Series)

Speed demon with great fielding, Ricky is perfect for small-ball teams. He has surprising pop (105+ power vs R) and is nearly impossible to catch stealing.

3. Kyle Schwarber (Retro Finest)

A catcher secondary makes Schwarber a utility beast. In left, his 120+ power and 80s contact play up in Moonshot events and conquest maps.

Center Field

1. Mike Trout (2024 Live Series MVP)

Trout’s 2024 MVP card has 125 power vs RHP, 110+ vs LHP, 95+ fielding, and one of the best swings in The Show. He’s still the face of the franchise—and Diamond Dynasty.

2. Mickey Mantle (Signature Series)

Switch hitter with elite speed and top-tier defense. His swing is quick and efficient, making Mantle a perennial Ranked Season must-start.

3. Julio Rodríguez (2024 All-Star)

J-Rod has become a top-tier option. 120+ power vs LHP, 95+ contact, and rocket arm strength makes him the most well-rounded CF from the current generation.

Right Field

1. Ronald Acuña Jr. (2024 All-Star MVP)

He’s got it all: speed, power, arm, fielding. Acuña is the five-tool outfielder who fits every type of lineup. His swing creates natural launch angle too.

2. Aaron Judge (99 OVR Signature Series)

Towering presence with elite pop. Judge’s fielding and reaction time are surprisingly good for a big guy, and his 125 power vs both sides is meta-breaking.

3. Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF Secondary)

Tatis is one of the few SS/RF hybrids with elite offense and enough arm strength to make right field throws. With 99 speed and high slugging, he’s a fun card with deadly upside.

Pitchers (Bonus)

Starting Pitchers

Randy Johnson (99 Milestone)

Shohei Ohtani (2024 MVP Two-Way)

Jacob deGrom (2024 Finest)

Relievers

Mariano Rivera (99 Signature)

Aroldis Chapman (99 Awards)

Josh Hader (2024 All-Star)

Final Thoughts

In MLB The Show 25, competition is fierce and your card lineup can make or break a game. This list reflects the most dominant and meta-relevant cards at each position as of Season 3. Whether you're assembling a God Squad for Ranked or crafting a specialty Event lineup, these cards will give you a competitive edge. With future Sets and updates around the corner, expect even more powerful names to enter the fray—but for now, these are the undisputed best at every spot on the diamond.