Winning more games in MLB The Show 25 isn’t just about mastering hitting or pitching—it starts with building a smart, optimized lineup. Whether you're grinding Ranked Seasons or climbing the Battle Royale ladder, these 13 lineup strategies will give you the edge you need. From player placement to matchup advantages, here’s how to make every position count.

1. Lead Off with Speed and Contact

Your leadoff hitter should get on base consistently. Look for high contact ratings and solid speed. This sets the tone for your offense and puts pressure on your opponent right away.

2. Bat Your Best Hitter Second

Gone are the days of hiding your best bat in the three-hole. Modern lineup logic suggests your highest overall hitter should bat second to maximize plate appearances and run-producing opportunities.

3. Balance Power in the Middle

Slots 3 to 5 should be where your power lives. Aim for at least two hitters with 90+ power against both sides to cash in on runners and flip momentum with a single swing.

4. Use Left-Right Splits to Your Advantage

Try to alternate left-handed and right-handed hitters to make it harder for opponents to exploit matchups with bullpen arms. This small tweak can force pitching changes and disrupt rhythm.

5. Focus on On-Base Percentage at the Bottom

Don’t sleep on your 7–9 hitters. Select players with good on-base skills, especially if your lineup loops back to a dangerous top of the order. Keeping the rally alive is key.

6. Know Your Stadium Dimensions

If you're playing in a home park with a short porch in right, lean into lefties with pull power. If you're often in pitcher-friendly parks, consider contact-focused players who can spray the ball.

7. Utilize Parallel Progression

As you build up your players through gameplay, don’t forget to rotate in those with high potential to gain Parallel XP. Not only do you develop your team, but you also improve individual ratings over time.

8. Consider Player Quirks

Quirks like “First Pitch Hitter” or “Breaking Ball Hitter” can make a huge difference in gameplay. Always check for active quirks that match your hitting style and adjust your batting order accordingly.

9. Keep a Defensive Anchor

Even in Ranked modes, defense matters. Slotting a defensive wizard at shortstop or center field—like a player with 90+ fielding and speed—can save you runs that offensive stats won’t reflect.

10. Platoon Strategically

Build a flexible bench to counter specific matchups. A righty killer or lefty masher on the bench can swing a game late. Don’t be afraid to sub aggressively in high-leverage moments.

11. Watch Your Bench Composition

Don’t stack your bench with the same profile. Mix speed threats, contact hitters, and big bats. This gives you tools to respond to whatever the opposing pitcher throws at you.

12. Buy Smart, Not Just Big

If you're building a lineup with limited resources, look beyond diamonds. Some high-performing gold and even silver players can outperform expectations. Save your stubs for high-impact cards.

13. Use the Market Efficiently

It’s tempting to spend big for top-tier cards, but make sure you stretch your Stubs wisely. Many players buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs to speed up the process, but careful management matters. If you're looking for the best place to buy Stubs MLB The Show 25 players trust, platforms like U4N are often mentioned for their reliability. Just remember to focus on value-per-Stub rather than pure overall ratings.

Your lineup is more than just a collection of high-rated cards—it’s your game plan. With smart structure, matchup awareness, and efficient use of your resources, you’ll turn close games into consistent wins. Whether you’re grinding Ranked, diving into Conquest, or prepping for the next Event, these strategies will keep you ahead of the competition.