If you’re just stepping up to the plate in MLB The Show 25, you’re probably eager to build a killer team in Diamond Dynasty. The key to that? Stubs—the in-game currency that lets you snag player cards, packs, equipment, and more. As a seasoned player who’s spent countless hours grinding in the Show, I’m here to share eight proven strategies to help you maximize your stubs early on, all without spending a dime. Whether you’re a casual gamer or dreaming of dominating online leaderboards, these tips will give you a solid foundation to start your journey.
What Are Stubs and Why Do They Matter?
Stubs are the virtual currency in MLB The Show 25, primarily used in Diamond Dynasty mode to purchase items like player cards, The Show Packs, stadiums, and uniforms from the Community Marketplace. They’re also needed to enter certain modes like Battle Royale or Showdowns, which can yield even more rewards. For beginners, having a healthy stub balance early means you can invest in better players, making both single-player and multiplayer modes more fun and competitive. The good news? You don’t need to open your wallet to rack up stubs—gameplay alone can get you far if you know where to focus.
8 Ways to Maximize Your Stubs Early
1. Complete Collections
One of the easiest ways to earn stubs is by diving into the Collections tab under the Collect menu. Here, you’ll find sets of cards to collect, ranging from beginner-friendly Starter Collections to more advanced ones. Each completed set rewards you with stubs, packs, or players. Start with the simpler collections, as they require fewer cards and are achievable early on. Not only do you earn stubs, but you also get a crash course in how the card system works, which is invaluable for new players.
Pro Tip: Check the “Advance” option to see which cards you’re missing and track your progress toward rewards.
2. Sell Duplicate Cards
As you open packs or earn cards through gameplay, duplicates will start piling up. Don’t let them gather dust—sell them on the Marketplace! Navigate to My Inventory under the Collect tab, select any cards you don’t need, and list them for sale. Even low-tier Bronze or Silver cards can fetch a few stubs, while Gold or Diamond duplicates can bring in hundreds or even thousands. Regularly clearing out your inventory is a low-effort way to keep your stub count growing.
Pro Tip: Use the “View In Market” option to check current prices and set your Sell Order just below the lowest asking price for a quick sale.
3. Conquer the Conquest Mode
Conquest mode is a fan-favorite for good reason—it’s both fun and rewarding. In this mode, you complete goals on various maps, earning stubs and packs along the way. You don’t need to capture the map’s Stronghold to claim these rewards, and you can even simulate games if you’re short on time. Some maps also hide extra rewards like additional packs or stubs, so explore thoroughly. Since Conquest maps are repeatable, this mode is a reliable stub-farming option for beginners.
Pro Tip: Start with smaller maps to get the hang of it, then tackle larger ones for bigger rewards.
4. Tackle Diamond Quests
Diamond Quests are special challenges that reward you with high-value Diamond cards, which can be sold on the Marketplace for thousands of stubs each. These quests can be a bit tough, especially on higher difficulties like GOAT, but the payoff is massive. For example, completing a quest might net you a card worth 4,400 stubs or more. If you’re new, start with the easier quests and work your way up as you improve your skills and roster.
Pro Tip: Focus on quests with Epic rewards, like those offering players like Noah Schultz or Garrett Crochet, as they tend to sell for higher prices.
5. Master the Marketplace: Flipping Cards
If you’re ready to play the market like a pro, card flipping is a fantastic way to boost your stubs. The idea is simple: buy cards at a low price and sell them for a profit. Look for Gold MLB Players or Equipment with a wide gap between their Buy Now and Sell Now prices. Create a Buy Order just above the highest current bid, then list the card with a Sell Order just below the lowest asking price. Be mindful of the 10% tax on sales, so calculate your profit margin carefully. Tools like ShowZone or Showdd.io can help you track market trends.
Pro Tip: Start with small flips (e.g., 20-50 stub profits) to minimize risk while you learn the market.
6. Complete Programs
Programs are like guided quests that reward you with stubs, players, packs, and XP for completing tasks, moments, or missions. You’ll find seasonal programs, Team Affinity programs, and others, each with tiers of rewards. For beginners, programs like the Tokyo Series or Pipeline are great starting points, as they offer achievable tasks and decent stub payouts. Completing these not only boosts your stub count but also helps you build a stronger team and learn the game’s mechanics.
Pro Tip: Focus on tasks that overlap with other modes (e.g., playing Conquest or Mini Seasons) to maximize efficiency.
7. Play Mini Seasons
Mini Seasons is a quick and beginner-friendly mode where you play 3-inning games against AI-controlled teams. Each season offers rewards like packs and stubs, and you can replay it as many times as you like. Playing on the lowest difficulty makes wins easier, which is perfect for new players. The packs you earn often contain Silver or Gold players, which you can sell for additional stubs. It’s a low-stress way to grind rewards while improving your gameplay.
Pro Tip: Rotate between Classic and other Mini Seasons to keep things fresh and maximize rewards.
8. Play Every Inning
This one’s as simple as it sounds: play full games or at least every inning. You earn a small number of stubs for every inning you play, regardless of the mode—whether it’s Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, or Franchise. These stubs might seem minor, but they add up over time, especially if you’re already grinding other modes. So, don’t skip those extra innings—they’re literally money in the bank.
Pro Tip: Combine this with other methods, like playing Conquest or Mini Seasons, to earn stubs from multiple sources at once.
Additional Tips for Success
- Be Consistent: You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick a couple of methods—like completing collections and selling duplicates—and stick with them until you’re comfortable branching out.
- Avoid Buying Packs with Stubs: It’s tempting to spend stubs on The Show Packs, but it’s generally not worth it. Instead, invest in specific players on the Marketplace or save for modes like Showdowns.
- Stay Patient: Building a big stub stash takes time, but these methods ensure steady progress. Don’t get discouraged if your dream team isn’t ready overnight.
- Steer Clear of Third-Party Stub Purchases: Some sites offer stubs for real money, but these come with security risks and violate the game’s terms. Stick to in-game methods for safety and peace of mind.
Why These Methods Work
These strategies are drawn from insights shared by the MLB The Show community and detailed guides from trusted gaming sites. They focus on gameplay-driven methods that are accessible to beginners, requiring only time and effort. By combining passive stub-earning activities (like playing innings) with active ones (like flipping cards), you’ll create a balanced approach that maximizes your rewards early on. Plus, these methods help you learn the game’s systems, setting you up for long-term success.
With these eight methods, you’re well-equipped to start your MLB The Show 25 journey with a growing stub balance. Whether you’re conquering maps, flipping cards, or just playing every inning, every step you take brings you closer to your dream team. Keep grinding, stay smart with your stubs, and most importantly, have fun out there on the virtual diamond.
