Whether you're a Diamond Dynasty die-hard or just getting started in MLB The Show 25, the grind for unlockables is always a hot topic. Some rewards are flashy but not worth your time—others, though, can completely reshape your lineup or strategy. After spending hours navigating Conquest maps, diving into Ranked Seasons, and pushing through Programs, I’ve rounded up 14 unlockables that are absolutely worth the grind.
1. 99 OVR Ken Griffey Jr. (Team Affinity Reward)
This version of Griffey isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a powerhouse card with elite contact, raw power, and one of the smoothest swings in the game. Unlocking him through Team Affinity takes effort, but he’s a mainstay in most top-tier outfields.
2. Signature Series Pedro Martinez
Available through a long grind in the Legends Program, Pedro’s arsenal is as deadly as ever. With pinpoint control and wicked off-speed stuff, he can dominate even the sweatiest Ranked games.
3. World Series Ranked Season Reward (Varies)
Making it to World Series rank is no joke, but the card rewards are consistently endgame-caliber. Whether it’s a clutch reliever or a five-tool outfielder, it’s one of the most satisfying unlockables.
4. Face of the Franchise Mike Trout
It’s Trout—what more needs to be said? This version balances great speed, fielding, and elite batting stats. He’s available in certain choice packs earned through grinding the Season XP path.
5. BR Flawless Reward Pack
Earning a Flawless pack in Battle Royale is tough, but the cards inside often sell for a hefty amount or become game-changers in your lineup. If you’ve got the skills, the reward speaks for itself.
6. Team Affinity Captains
These boost-specific teams or archetypes and are extremely valuable in building themed lineups. Some Team Captains also bring stat bonuses that can turn fringe players into monsters.
7. Mini Seasons Championship Bundle
Win a Mini Season and you’ll grab this bundle, which usually includes solid packs, XP, and a few choice players. It’s one of the more casual grinds but well worth it if you want depth in your roster.
8. Monthly Awards Lightning Player
Each month, the Lightning card celebrates a real-life standout, and these cards tend to be highly usable and balanced. Grinding the Monthly Awards Program is a must if you’re looking for consistent upgrades.
9. Diamond Equipment for Road to the Show
Even if you’re not into RTTS, the Diamond equipment offers stat boosts that help your Ballplayer dominate. It’s also a solid way to earn Stubs for other modes.
10. Set Collection Rewards
These require locking in high-value cards but reward you with exclusive legends and superstars. With smart investing or if you buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs, you can speed this up, though it’s still a strategic long-term grind.
11. Event Exclusive Rewards
Events don’t require a perfect record, just a number of wins. Many exclusive cards here turn out to be meta-relevant and can't be earned elsewhere.
12. Ranked Season XP Path Packs
Even if you don’t hit World Series, simply grinding Ranked earns you packs, stubs, and XP along the way. It’s a consistent and rewarding loop if you're aiming to improve your team over time.
13. U4N Program Choice Packs
These packs, tied to the collaborative U4N promo, offer a rotating selection of rare cards and sometimes unique cosmetics. They’re a newer addition but already beloved by collectors.
14. Stubs Milestone Rewards
As you earn or spend more stubs in-game (or even if you buy from the best place to buy stubs MLB The Show 25), you hit certain thresholds that give you special rewards—packs, XP, and sometimes exclusive unlockables that can't be found elsewhere.
Grinding for unlockables in MLB The Show 25 can be overwhelming, but choosing the right ones to pursue makes all the difference. Whether you're playing casually or building a god squad, these 14 rewards stand out as being genuinely worth the effort. If you're looking to speed up your collection, some players do buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs, especially from platforms like U4N, which has built a reputation among the community. Just be sure to prioritize value over hype—and enjoy the journey as much as the reward.