In MLB The Show 25, one of the most exciting aspects of the game is building your team, but with a limited budget, it can be hard to secure high-rated Diamond players. Luckily, there are some fantastic budget-friendly and free Diamond cards that you can add to MLB The Show 25 Stubs your roster without breaking the bank. These cards can help you build a competitive team for both ranked seasons and events, all while keeping your stubs and resources in check.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best budget and free Diamond cards in MLB The Show 25. These players won’t require a hefty investment, but they will deliver great performance and can help take your team to the next level.

1. Javier Báez (Diamond, 90 OVR)
Javier Báez’s 90 OVR Diamond card is an excellent budget pick at shortstop. With his combination of speed, fielding, and decent power, Báez is a solid option for any team. He has 90 Fielding and 85 Speed, making him a fantastic defender in the middle infield. Offensively, Báez has 85 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 80 Contact, which makes him an effective bat against right-handed pitchers.

For those looking to build a solid defensive infield and add a bit of pop to the lineup, Báez offers incredible value. His relatively low price tag compared to other top shortstops makes him a great budget pick.

2. Eddie Matthews (Diamond, 92 OVR)
Eddie Matthews’ 92 OVR Diamond card is one of the best budget third basemen you can acquire in MLB The Show 25. Matthews provides elite power, with 97 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 91 Power vs. Left-Handed Pitching. His offensive stats are complemented by respectable fielding with 85 Fielding and 85 Arm Strength, making him a reliable defender at the hot corner.

With the right swing, Matthews can be a menace in the batter's box, capable of hitting towering home runs. His price makes him an excellent investment for teams looking to add power to their lineup without breaking the bank.

3. David Ortiz (Diamond, 91 OVR)
Big Papi, David Ortiz, is a legend in MLB The Show 25, and his 91 OVR Diamond card offers excellent value. Ortiz is known for his power, and his card doesn’t disappoint, featuring 95 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 92 Power vs. Left-Handed Pitching. While his fielding stats aren’t exceptional (only 54 Fielding), Ortiz more than makes up for it with his bat.

For those in need of a designated hitter (DH) with massive power, Ortiz is a steal, especially considering his price in comparison to other high-rated Diamond hitters. Expect him to slug home runs and drive in runs in key situations.

4. Jim Edmonds (Diamond, 91 OVR)
If you’re looking for a budget center fielder who can play elite defense and contribute offensively, Jim Edmonds’ 91 OVR Diamond card is an excellent choice. With 95 Fielding and 92 Arm Strength, Edmonds is an exceptional defender in the outfield, able to track down balls in any part of the field. Offensively, he boasts 91 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 87 Contact, which gives him the ability to hit for power while also getting on base consistently.

Edmonds is a solid pick for players who value defense and want a reliable bat in the middle of their lineup. His combination of power, contact, and defense makes him a well-rounded option without a premium price tag.

5. Kerry Wood (Diamond, 91 OVR)
Kerry Wood’s 91 OVR Diamond card is a standout option for budget-minded players looking for an ace starting pitcher. Wood’s card features 97 K/9, 92 Hits per 9, and a fastball that can reach 98 MPH. He also has a solid curveball, slider, and changeup to keep hitters off balance. With a 4-pitch mix and excellent velocity, Kerry Wood is one of the most effective pitchers for the price.

He’s especially effective against right-handed hitters and offers a great value in MLB The Show 25 for anyone looking for a dominant starter. For those who want a reliable ace at an affordable price, Wood is a must-have.

6. Gary Sheffield (Diamond, 92 OVR)
Gary Sheffield’s 92 OVR Diamond card is another great budget option for a power-hitting corner outfielder. Sheffield boasts elite contact and power stats, with 95 Contact vs. Right-Handed Pitching, 93 Power vs. Left-Handed Pitching, and 90 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching. His 90 Fielding is solid, making him a reliable defender in the outfield, and his 91 Arm Strength helps with throwing accuracy.

Sheffield’s smooth swing and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him one of the best value hitters in MLB The Show 25. If you're looking for a power bat who can also make contact and play solid defense, Sheffield is an excellent option to add to your squad.

7. Frank Thomas (Diamond, 90 OVR)
The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas, is a perfect choice for players who want a designated hitter with elite power. Thomas’ 90 OVR Diamond card offers 96 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 92 Power vs. Left-Handed Pitching, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. While his fielding is limited to first base with a low 60 Fielding stat, his bat more than makes up for it.

For players who need a slugger in their lineup, Frank Thomas is a perfect addition. His ability to crush home runs from the right side of the plate makes him an excellent asset to any team. Given his price, Thomas is a great budget pick for those who want to add some serious power without spending too many stubs.

8. Cliff Lee (Diamond, 90 OVR)
Cliff Lee’s 90 OVR Diamond card is a great budget option for players who need a reliable left-handed pitcher. Lee’s pitching stats include 92 K/9, 90 Hits per 9, and a fastball that sits at 92 MPH, making him an effective starter who can get hitters out consistently. His 4-pitch mix (fastball, cutter, curveball, and changeup) allows him to keep hitters off balance and work deep into games.

Lee’s ability to keep the ball in the strike zone and generate weak contact makes him a great option for players looking to add a solid starting pitcher to their rotation at an affordable price.

9. Willie Mays (Diamond, 91 OVR)
Willie Mays is an iconic player in baseball, and his 91 OVR Diamond card in MLB The Show 25 is a fantastic all-around option for center field. Mays offers a combination of 95 Speed, 95 Fielding, and 90 Arm Strength, making him one of the best defensive center fielders in the game. Offensively, he boasts 90 Power vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 85 Contact, providing plenty of pop while still being able to hit for average.

Mays is a well-rounded player who can contribute both offensively and defensively, making him an excellent value for any team, especially when you factor in his relatively affordable price.

10. Ken Griffey Jr. (Diamond, 90 OVR)
Ken Griffey Jr.’s 90 OVR Diamond card is another great value pick in MLB The Show 25. Griffey offers elite contact, solid power, and superb fielding in center field. With 95 Contact vs. Right-Handed Pitching and 90 Power vs. Left-Handed Pitching, Griffey can hit for both average and power. His 95 Speed and 90 Fielding make him a fantastic defender as well, capable of covering a lot of ground in the outfield and contributing to the team's overall defense.

For players looking for an all-around outfielder with a great bat and excellent defense, Griffey is a top-tier option that won't drain your stubs.

Conclusion
Building a competitive team in MLB The Show 25 doesn’t have to involve spending massive amounts of stubs. The cards mentioned above provide a combination of solid performance, great value, and budget-friendly pricing. Whether you're looking to improve your hitting, add depth to your rotation, or boost your defense, these Diamond cards are excellent choices for budget-conscious players who still want to compete at a high level.

By strategically investing in these budget and free Diamond cards, you can create a buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs roster that is both competitive and affordable, allowing you to maximize your resources while maintaining a strong squad in MLB The Show 25.
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