Trading players in MLB The Show 25 is a crucial aspect of MLB The Show 25 Stubs building a competitive team in Diamond Dynasty, Franchise Mode, or Road to the Show. Whether you're looking to acquire top-tier talent, dump underperforming players, or rebuild your roster, mastering the trade system can give you a significant advantage.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Understanding Trade Mechanics in MLB The Show 25

Best Strategies for Successful Trades

How to Evaluate Player Value

Franchise Mode vs. Diamond Dynasty Trading

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding Trade Mechanics in MLB The Show 25
Before making any moves, you need to understand how trading works in different game modes.

A. Franchise Mode Trading
In Franchise Mode, trades are more realistic, with AI teams considering:

Player Overall (OVR) and Potential

Contract Salary & Length

Team Needs (Rebuilding vs. Competing)

Trade Difficulty Settings (Beginner to Legend)

How to Initiate a Trade:
Go to the "Manage Roster" section.

Select "Trade" and choose a team.

Add players, prospects, or draft picks to the deal.

Check the Trade Approval Meter—green means the AI is likely to accept.

B. Diamond Dynasty Trading
Unlike Franchise Mode, Diamond Dynasty doesn’t allow direct player-for-player trades. Instead, you:

Buy/sell players on the Community Market using Stubs.

Complete Exchange Missions to trade lower-rated cards for rewards.

Flip cards by buying low and selling high.

2. Best Strategies for Successful Trades
A. Target Teams with Needs
If a team lacks a shortstop, they’ll overpay for one.

Rebuilding teams want young prospects, while contenders want veterans.

B. Use Salary Dumps to Your Advantage
Take on bad contracts in exchange for better players.

Example: If a team wants to shed salary, offer to take an expensive player in exchange for a top prospect.

C. Trade Multiple Mid-Tier Players for One Star
AI teams sometimes prefer quantity over quality.

Example: Trading two 80 OVR players for one 85+ OVR star.

D. Include Draft Picks for Big Deals
In Franchise Mode, draft picks can sweeten a deal.

First-round picks are valuable for rebuilding teams.

E. Check the "Trade Block" for Desperate Teams
Teams will list players they’re willing to move.

You can often get these players for cheaper than usual.

3. How to Evaluate Player Value
Not all 85 OVR players are equal—some factors to consider:

A. Age & Potential
A 23-year-old with A Potential is worth more than a 30-year-old with the same OVR.

Check Player Development Traits in Franchise Mode.

B. Contract Status
Players on rookie contracts are extremely valuable.

Expiring contracts are easier to trade at the deadline.

C. Positional Scarcity
Elite shortstops and pitchers are harder to find than first basemen.

Catchers with strong defensive stats are rare.

D. Performance & Clutch Stats
Players with high Clutch or Durability ratings are more reliable.

Recent hot streaks can inflate trade value.

4. Franchise Mode vs. Diamond Dynasty Trading
Franchise Mode (Simulation-Style Trading)
More strategic, long-term planning.

AI considers team chemistry, budget, and future needs.

Diamond Dynasty (Market-Based Trading)
Focuses on buying low, selling high.

Monitor Market Trends—prices fluctuate based on roster updates.

Use Filters to find undervalued players.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
A. Overpaying for Aging Stars
A 90 OVR 35-year-old declines fast—don’t give up top prospects.

B. Ignoring Contract Salaries
Taking on a massive contract can cripple your budget.

C. Not Shopping Players Around
Always check multiple teams—some offer better deals.

D. Rushing Rebuilds
Trading all veterans for prospects too quickly can leave your team uncompetitive.

Final Tips for Mastering Trades in MLB The Show 25
 Adjust Trade Difficulty if deals feel too easy/hard.
 Save Before Big Trades in case the AI rejects unfairly.
 Use the "Force Trade" Option (if enabled) for experimental rosters.
 Follow Roster Updates—player ratings change, affecting value.

By mastering these strategies, you can build a dynasty in buy MLB The Show —whether in Franchise Mode or Diamond Dynasty. Happy trading!