With the release of MLB The Show 25, players are once again faced with the exciting challenge of building the perfect Ultimate Team. Whether you're grinding through Ranked Seasons, competing in Conquest, MLB The Show 25 Stubs or mastering the Road to the Show mode, having the right players on your roster is key to success. This guide breaks down the top 10 must-have cards in MLB The Show 25 — focusing on their stats, abilities, and overall impact on gameplay — so you can maximize your team’s performance and climb the ranks.

1. Shohei Ohtani (Two-Way Superstar)

Ohtani remains an unrivaled asset thanks to his unique two-way abilities. His hitting stats combine power and contact with exceptional plate discipline, while his pitching skills provide devastating velocity and control.

Hitting: High Power, Contact, and Plate Discipline ratings make him a nightmare for pitchers.

Pitching: Fastball in the mid-90s mph range, plus a sharp slider and splitter to keep batters off-balance.

Why Must-Have: Versatility to slot him as a DH or pitcher means you get elite production on both sides of the ball. He’s also a clutch performer in late-game situations.

2. Juan Soto (Dynamic Left-Handed Hitter)

Juan Soto is one of the best pure hitters in the game. His combination of contact, power, and discipline is exceptional, especially for a lefty.

Strengths: High vision and discipline allow him to draw walks and punish mistakes.

Fielding: Plays solid left field with good range and arm strength.

Why Must-Have: Perfect for lineup balance with his ability to get on base consistently and drive in runs. He’s a cornerstone bat for any Ultimate Team.

3. Mike Trout (Five-Tool Phenomenon)

Despite multiple seasons on the roster, Mike Trout continues to be a top-tier card because of his well-rounded excellence.

Tools: Power, speed, contact, fielding, and arm strength are all elite.

Speed: Useful on the bases to steal and take extra bases.

Why Must-Have: Trout is the quintessential five-tool player and a reliable bat in any lineup construction.

4. Jacob deGrom (Dominant Starting Pitcher)

In MLB The Show 25, a dominant pitcher is essential, and deGrom is arguably the best. His combination of velocity and control makes him nearly unhittable.

Pitch Arsenal: Fastball, slider, and changeup with excellent movement and control.

Stamina: Can throw deep into games without fatigue.

Why Must-Have: He shuts down opposing lineups, reduces opponent run production, and helps you maintain leads.

5. Francisco Lindor (Elite Defensive Shortstop)

Defense wins games, and Lindor is one of the best defensive shortstops available, paired with solid offensive stats.

Fielding: Excellent range, quick reactions, and a strong arm.

Batting: Good contact and power numbers.

Why Must-Have: Lindor improves your infield defense significantly and can contribute at the plate, balancing your lineup.

6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Power Hitter)

VGJr is one of the most feared power hitters in MLB The Show 25 with a bat that can clear the fences regularly.

Power: Elite slugging stats with the ability to hit towering home runs.

Contact: Good enough contact rating to keep the strikeouts manageable.

Why Must-Have: If you want to add consistent home run power in your middle of the order, Guerrero is a must-have.

7. J.T. Realmuto (Top Catcher)

Realmuto stands out as the best catcher card this season, offering elite defense behind the plate and solid offensive production.

Defense: Great blocking, arm strength, and pitch framing.

Batting: Above-average contact and power for a catcher.

Why Must-Have: He adds value both in preventing runs and producing runs, a rare combo at the catcher position.

8. Mookie Betts (Speed and Defense Wizard)

Mookie Betts is a game-changer on defense and bases with elite speed and fielding.

Speed: One of the fastest players, useful for stealing bases and scoring on singles.

Fielding: Gold glove-caliber range and arm.

Why Must-Have: Adds tremendous value in center field, turning potential hits into outs and creating scoring opportunities with aggressive baserunning.

9. Max Scherzer (Ace Closer or Starter)

Scherzer continues to be a staple for players looking for strikeouts and late-game dominance.

Pitching: High velocity with devastating slider and splitter.

Control: Good command and ability to throw strikes consistently.

Why Must-Have: Whether starting or coming in as a closer, Scherzer’s ability to strike out batters in critical moments is invaluable.

10. Yordan Alvarez (Power Bat off the Bench)

Alvarez is one of the best power hitters available as a bench option or designated hitter.

Power: Elite slugger with tremendous home run potential.

Contact: Good enough contact for a power hitter, minimizing strikeouts.

Why Must-Have: He’s the perfect pinch hitter or cleanup bat to come off the bench and change the game with one swing.

Additional Tips for Building Your Ultimate Team in MLB The Show 25

Balance your lineup: Mix contact hitters with power hitters and include speedsters for aggressive base running.

Prioritize defense: Preventing runs is just as important as scoring them. Invest in elite defensive cards, especially at middle infield and catcher.

Don’t neglect pitching: A strong starting rotation and bullpen are critical. Cards like deGrom and Scherzer make a huge difference.

Use bench and substitutes strategically: Cards like Yordan Alvarez and pinch runners can provide late-inning advantages.

Keep an eye on player abilities: Look for clutch traits, high discipline, and favorable splits (e.g., lefty/righty matchups).

Conclusion

Building a top-tier MLB The Show 25 team requires carefully selecting players who offer a mix of hitting, fielding, speed, MLB The Show and pitching excellence. The 10 must-have cards listed here offer the best combination of stats, skills, and versatility to dominate both online and offline modes. Whether you're a casual player or grinding for high ranks, adding these superstars to your roster will give you a competitive edge and bring you closer to winning those coveted Diamond Dynasty titles.