If you’ve been playing MLB The Show 25 for a while, you’ve probably realized that stubs are central to building a competitive team. For newer players—or even some seasoned ones—understanding how stubs work online and how to get them efficiently can be confusing. Here’s a practical guide based on how most players actually approach the game.

What Are Stubs and Why Do They Matter?

In general, stubs are the in-game currency that players use to buy cards, packs, and other items in MLB The Show 25. They’re essential if you want to improve your lineup quickly. Most players focus on stubs because they allow you to acquire top-tier players without waiting to grind through solo challenges or collections.

Stubs usually come into play in two main ways:

1. Buying Players on the Marketplace – This is how you usually upgrade your team quickly.

2. Purchasing Packs or Special Items – These give you a chance at rare cards but involve some randomness.

Knowing how to manage stubs effectively is more important than simply buying more. Experienced players often prioritize which cards are worth spending on, rather than trying to collect everything.

How Do You Earn Stubs Without Spending Money?

Most players start by earning stubs through in-game activity. Here are the main ways:

• Solo Challenges and Missions: Completing daily and weekly missions provides steady stub rewards. These are predictable and safe ways to accumulate stubs without relying on luck.

• Conquest and Ranked Play: Performing well in Conquest or online ranked games often gives decent stub payouts. In general, players who stick to these modes consistently can build a healthy stub balance over time.

• Selling Unneeded Cards: If you have duplicates or cards you no longer use, selling them on the marketplace is a common strategy. The value depends on the card’s rarity and demand, so timing can matter.

Usually, combining these approaches is more effective than focusing on a single source. Most experienced players have a weekly routine that balances grinding missions and participating in online games to keep their stub balance healthy.

How Do Online Stub Purchases Work?

For players who choose to purchase stubs online, the process is fairly straightforward. You select the amount you want and complete the transaction through the game’s platform. In practice, most players treat these purchases as occasional supplements rather than their main way of getting stubs.

When looking for cheaper deals, platforms like U4N are often mentioned because they offer multiple options in one place. Many players use these sources to compare stub bundles, but the key is always to check that the platform is reliable and that the deal aligns with how much you actually want to spend.

What Are the Cheapest Deals in Practice?

The term “cheapest” can be misleading. In general, the real cost depends on how much value you get per stub. Most players calculate it by comparing the price of a bundle to the number of stubs it provides.

Here’s what experienced players usually do:

• Compare Price Per 1,000 Stubs: This gives a clear idea of value across different bundles.

• Avoid Overbuying: Buying too many stubs at once can make you spend more than necessary. Most players buy stubs only when they have a specific goal in mind, like completing a collection or upgrading a key position.

• Check for Promotions or Bonuses: Occasionally, certain bundles include extra stubs or special items. These are generally worth considering if they fit your needs.

By focusing on value per stub rather than overall bundle size, players tend to get the most out of their purchases.

Is It Better to Buy Stubs or Earn Them In-Game?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most players treat purchased stubs as a shortcut for specific goals, while earned stubs are better for long-term team building. Here’s how it usually breaks down:

• Buying Stubs: Good if you want to finish collections quickly or secure a rare card that’s about to disappear from the marketplace.

• Earning Stubs: Better if you’re patient and enjoy grinding missions, ranked games, or Conquest. It’s slower but can be more satisfying and cost-effective.

In practice, most experienced players use a mix. They grind the majority of their stubs and occasionally supplement with purchases when a specific upgrade is worth it.

Tips for Using Stubs Efficiently

Even if you have plenty of stubs, how you spend them matters. Most players follow a few practical rules:

1. Focus on Key Positions First: Upgrade the positions that matter most for your playstyle. Usually, pitchers and key hitters are the priority.

2. Avoid Impulse Buys: It’s tempting to chase every new card, but most players regret spending stubs on short-term gains.

3. Monitor the Marketplace: Prices fluctuate based on demand. Experienced players often wait for off-peak times to buy or sell cards for better value.

4. Use Stubs to Fill Gaps: Instead of overhauling the team, most players spend stubs to fix weaknesses, which improves overall performance more efficiently.

By treating stubs as a tool rather than an endless resource, you’ll make smarter decisions that last throughout the season.

In MLB The Show 25, understanding stubs—how to earn them, buy them, and spend them—is crucial for building a strong team. Most players combine grinding missions, smart marketplace activity, and occasional purchases to maintain a competitive edge. Platforms like U4N can be useful for comparing online stub options, but the key is always to think strategically rather than chasing the cheapest deal blindly.

At the end of the day, the most successful players are those who plan their stub usage carefully, focus on high-impact upgrades, and maintain steady in-game earning routines. Doing so keeps your team strong while avoiding unnecessary spending or wasted stubs.