MLB The Show 25: How to Maximize Development – Level Up Faster and MLB The Show 25 Stubs Build Elite Players

Player development in MLB The Show 25 is one of the most rewarding and strategic aspects of the game. Whether you’re working through Road to the Show (RTTS) with your created player or managing a young roster in Franchise Mode, mastering how development works is key to long-term success.

Building elite players isn’t just about swinging for home runs or striking out batters — it’s about making smart decisions, optimizing training time, and understanding how performance, potential, and morale all tie together. In this guide, we’ll break down how to maximize development in MLB The Show 25, from attribute growth and practice routines to hidden progression mechanics that many players overlook.

Build Morale and Chemistry

Morale is often overlooked but has a subtle impact on development speed — especially in Franchise Mode. When players are happy, they perform better and gain attributes faster.

To build morale:

Keep players in preferred roles and positions.

Rotate young prospects for playing time to keep them engaged.

Maintain winning streaks — team success boosts everyone’s confidence.

In Road to the Show, morale comes from your personality choices and teammate interactions. Being a vocal leader or team player unlocks perks that improve training and chemistry bonuses.

Leverage Equipment and Perks

Your loadout can make a huge difference in how quickly you develop. MLB The Show 25’s updated equipment and perk system adds stat bonuses that stack with natural progression.

Equip high-tier gear for your position:

Bats and gloves boost hitting and fielding attributes.

Cleats and rituals improve speed, reaction, and energy recovery.

Perks amplify specific skills like contact vs. right-handers or breaking ball control.

The key is to build synergy. For example, a hitter using power-focused gear plus a “Slugger” perk gains faster attribute growth in Power because those bonuses stack during games.

You can purchase or earn these items using Stubs, the game’s currency, through Diamond Dynasty or Marketplace investments.

Use the Development Programs in Franchise Mode

For Franchise Mode players, maximizing development requires balancing prospect potential with playing opportunities.

Assign top prospects to appropriate minor league levels — not too easy, not too hard.

Monitor monthly performance reports to adjust their training focus.

Use the Player Development tab to boost key attributes through targeted coaching.

Scouting and drafting also play huge roles in long-term success. Draft players with high potential grades (A or B) even if their current ratings are low. Over several seasons, they’ll evolve into cheap MLB Stubs franchise cornerstones with the right development focus.