https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-25-stubs Every new MLB The Show iteration introduces a few rookies that quickly capture the attention of players worldwide. In The Show 25, this year’s talent pool has produced some special cases. Not only are they rated highly, but their skill sets align perfectly with the needs of players across Diamond Dynasty, Franchise Mode, and even March to October. This guide breaks down why the top five rookies have fans lining up to stash them.
1. Diego Rivera – The Defensive Catalyst
Rivera plays a fluid shortstop with elite range. His Rating sits at 78 overall but can skyrocket to the 90s quickly. The OWE (Offensive Weapons Equivalent) model across the board is solid: mid-70s to high-80s hitting coupled with top-tier fielding and speed. In Franchise Mode, he’s a prospect worth grooming. In any team lacking a reliable shortstop, he’s the answer—especially once fielding drills and rating boosts kick in.
On defense, he cuts angles like veteran SS’s. In Diamond Dynasty, defensive reliability is undervalued—but Rivera offers both defense and run-producing offense. He’s a plug-and-play mid-season pickup with long-term upside.
2. Brandon Chen – The Power Strikeout Starter
Chen embodies the “strike-first” approach. His raw stuff includes fastballs in the 93–95 range and a slider/slurve that creates whiffs. Current Rating is 80 overall, with upside into high 80s or low 90s given XP investment. His early plateau may be barely above-average, but with practice and wardrobe boosts, he becomes an anchor—especially in Ranked or DD Conquest, where rotation depth matters.
He’s fragile early on, but a push to gain Clutch or Get Big Perks turns him into a legitimate Staff Ace #3. Chen’s profile meshes with hand-speed grinders and those who like racking up Ks.
3. Miles Harper – The Outfield Widebody
Wonderfully balanced, Harper holds plus contact, plus power for a speedster, and defensive positioning that feels like a shoulder-shrug obstacle across the gap. Initial Rating at 82 overall, hitting 90+ in Speed, 85+ in Contact, 80+ in Fielding. For those who play Baserunning rules or aggressive convey gear, he’s a must-add.
Franchise mode sees him atop prospect boards. Diamond Dynasty sees him hitting singles into triples. Ranked sees him burning rubber and frustrating opponents. He’s the quintessential triple-threat OF who delivers immediate value.
4. Ethan Martinez – The Aging Control Artist
Martinez starts at an 81 overall, but his strengths are subtle: 90+ Control, two major pitches with sharp movement, and an improving Stamina meter. While he lacks flash, he dominates when on his game. In Franchise Mode he’s ideal for the backend rotation or long relief. In Diamond Dynasty, he’s a cheap XP spender who becomes a quality starter with minimal upgrade cost.
Pair him with a Strikeout specialist and you balance your rotation. Martinez’s style fits grinders—hit your spots, induce swings, and deepen games efficiently.
5. Lucas Vaughn – The Legitimate Power Bat
Vaughn starts at 79 overall with 85+ Power and 80+ Contact. On right-handed mashers, he becomes a diamond level power bat early post-upgrade. He fills the left-handed bat slot with authority. Defense-first players may bypass him, but if your strategy is offense, Vaughn belongs in your corner.
In Diamond Dynasty, he helps fulfill sluggers needs. In Franchise, he becomes your cleanup bat. In MT0, he’s a mid-series knockout. If your style is “east coast ballpark bombing,” Vaughn is the anchor.
Comparison and Tactical Vision
Diamond Dynasty: Draft Rivera early for depth, Chen for rotation planning, Harper for speed coverage, Martinez for rotation flexibility, Vaughn for power balance.
Franchise Mode: Build your future around Rivera and Harper; treat pitchers as trade capital or mid-rotation pillars; Vaughn is your middle-of-the-order cause; Martinez is extra starting depth.
Ranked Play / RPW: Rivera and Harper are evergreen; Chen yields strikeout totals; Vaughn supplies surge power; Martinez thrives in steadiness.
Scalable Strategy
Drafters: Prioritize Rivera, Harper, Vaughn as long-term bats, take Chen or Martinez for pitching health depth.
Grinders: Invest XP into any of the five based on your team needs. Bats mature quickly but pitching needs situational attention.
Wrap-Up
These five are more than just higher-than-average rookies—they’re versatile, trackable, and team-defining. They fit most archetypes and can be built into MVP talent. The Show 25 is about long-game choices. Pick these five for both instantaneous payoff and sustained excellence.