Building a competitive squad in MLB The Show 25 often starts with making the right calls in your Draft. Whether you’re grinding through Battle Royale or putting together your ranked lineup, knowing how to draft smartly can set the tone for your entire season. Here are seven practical draft card tips to help you create a team that can really compete.

1. Prioritize Balanced Positions Early

It’s tempting to jump on the highest overall player right away, but think about your roster as a whole. Make sure your first few picks cover premium defensive spots like shortstop, center field, and catcher. These positions can be tough to fill later with quality cards, so locking them down early gives you flexibility.

2. Don’t Overlook Bullpen Strength

Many players stack their drafts with power hitters but forget the importance of relief pitching. Strong bullpen arms can bail you out in close games, especially in shorter modes like Battle Royale. Keep an eye out for lefty-righty balance and prioritize pitchers with solid pitch mixes over just high velocity.

3. Draft Cards That Match Your Play Style

If you’re comfortable hitting with contact hitters and prefer speed on the basepaths, lean into that. Likewise, if you excel with power hitters, draft accordingly. There’s no universal “best draft”—your team should complement how you naturally play.

4. Focus on Versatile Players

Drafting players who can cover multiple positions is a quiet strategy that often pays off. Versatile players let you adjust your lineup to face different matchups or replace underperformers mid-game without weakening your defense.

5. Use Your Stubs Strategically

After drafting, consider using your resources to patch any roster gaps. For example, if you’re looking to add a clutch bench bat or a specialized reliever, buy mlb the show 25 stubs and invest wisely. Remember, there’s plenty of mlb the show 25 stubs for sale, but spending them where they truly matter is what counts.

6. Keep an Eye on Player Traits

Beyond ratings, look at traits like clutch, discipline, and fielding. In tight games, players with high clutch can outperform their overall ratings, making them invaluable picks, especially for your middle and late innings.

7. Learn from the Community

Sometimes the best draft tips come from the broader MLB The Show community. Forums, YouTube creators, and sites like U4N often break down which cards perform better in live situations. Staying connected can give you fresh insights and help you adapt your draft strategy over time.

Drafting in MLB The Show 25 is both art and strategy. By thinking beyond simple overalls and being smart with your choices—and your stubs—you’ll be well on your way to building a team that can truly compete. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun out there.