Posted by shelie Paley
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When it comes to dominating in MLB The Show 25, few positions define your success more than your infield. These players touch the ball almost every play, drive in runs, and lock down defense when the pressure mounts. With the September balance patch and attribute updates shaking up the meta, it's time to MLB The Show 25 Stubs break down which infielders stand above the rest - the S-Tier elites who can carry any Diamond Dynasty roster.
These players combine power, contact, speed, defense, and clutch performance - the perfect mix for those serious about climbing the ranked ladder or crushing offline challenges.
S-Tier Infielders: The Game-Changers
These are your must-haves - the cards that can single-handedly win games. Whether it's a walk-off homer, a diving stop at third, or a stolen base that changes momentum, these players are built different.
First Base (1B)
Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies, 95 OVR)
Bryce Harper is a Diamond Dynasty monster this season. Though traditionally an outfielder, his 1B eligibility turns him into one of the most dangerous bats in the game. He destroys both lefties and righties, has elite power, and his clutch rating makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers in late innings. With his Quick Reflexes and Unbreakable quirks active, Harper's combination of plate vision and raw power make him a lineup anchor for any competitive player.
Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers, 90 OVR)
Freeman remains one of the most consistent contact hitters in MLB The Show 25. He's not flashy, but his near-perfect plate discipline and gap-to-gap hitting are invaluable. In clutch situations - like facing elite closers or high-velocity pitchers - Freeman's swing path and balance make him one of the hardest players to strike out. His fielding at first is also elite, which helps keep errant throws in check during tight games.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays, 90 OVR)
If Harper is the flash and Freeman is the reliability, Guerrero Jr. is the raw power. He's capable of putting the ball into orbit, and his Clutch Performer quirk gives him a noticeable boost in extra innings or with runners on base. While his defense lags behind the others, his ability to flip a game with one swing earns him a firm place in S-tier.
Second Base (2B)
Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks, 96 OVR)
Marte continues to dominate the meta thanks to his rare combination of switch-hitting, speed, and defense. He's one of the most balanced cards in the entire infield pool. His versatility allows players to adjust lineups easily, and his high vision and power vs. both sides make him a top-tier table-setter or cleanup hitter. No matter your playstyle - power, small ball, or hybrid - Marte fits right in.
Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers, 95 OVR)
There's a reason Mookie Betts always makes top-tier lists. His multi-position flexibility (2B, RF, CF, SS) means he can slot into nearly any lineup. Betts brings elite fielding and speed with contact that rivals Freddie Freeman's. He's also deadly on the basepaths, often turning singles into doubles. Betts' quirks, including First-Pitch Hitter and Unfazed, make him an incredible all-around player - perfect for any lineup composition.
Chase Utley (Legend, 99 OVR)
The legendary second baseman returns as a fan-favorite card and immediately ranks among the best. His 99 OVR card features elite contact against righties, smooth fielding, and dependable double-play mechanics. What sets him apart is his ability to perform in clutch moments and handle pressure innings flawlessly. If you can afford his legend card (or snag it via a pack pull), Utley is an instant upgrade to any infield.
Third Base (3B)
Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians, 95 OVR)
Jose Ramirez might be the most complete third baseman in the game. A switch-hitter with elite power and speed, he's capable of hitting to all fields and stealing bases when needed. His Balanced Swing animation and pinpoint arm strength make him invaluable on defense. He's a cornerstone for anyone building a competitive infield.
Manny Machado (San Diego Padres, 86 OVR)
Machado's base stats may not jump off the screen, but the latest patch buffed his power significantly - and players have taken notice. He's an underrated slugger who can now reliably hit bombs against both sides. Defensively, Machado's glove remains one of the best, particularly when reacting to hot shots down the line.
Carlos Correa (Legend, 99 OVR)
Though traditionally a shortstop, Correa's legendary card at 3B transforms him into a defensive powerhouse. His arm strength is elite, his reaction time is top-tier, and his bat brings balanced power and contact. He's one of the most reliable corner infielders available, perfect for players who value both run prevention and offensive stability.
Shortstop (SS)
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, 96 OVR)
Witt has become a fan favorite - and for good reason. His 96 OVR card combines lightning speed, strong arm strength, and legit pop at the plate. He's an X-factor on both offense and defense, and his ability to steal bases at will makes him a game-changer in ranked play. With buffs to baserunning AI this season, Witt's aggressive speed is even more valuable.
Francisco Lindor (New York Mets, 95 OVR)
Lindor is the classic all-around shortstop. As a switch-hitter with elite defense, he can bat anywhere in the order and provide stability in clutch situations. He's also one of the most consistent fielders in the game, rarely committing errors and boasting incredible reaction time. In terms of reliability and leadership on the diamond, Lindor remains a top-tier pick.
Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles, 94 OVR)
Henderson has exploded up the ranks thanks to recent power buffs and refined swing timing. He's a young phenom with elite exit velocities, and his defensive improvements make him a legitimate shortstop threat. If you're building a team for the long haul, Henderson's card has future-proof value - a great mix of youth and performance.
A-Tier Infielders: Solid, Reliable, and Affordable
These players may not break the game like the S-tier options, but they're still highly effective - and more attainable for players managing stub budgets. You can often find these cards for solid deals on marketplaces like U4GM, making them great for competitive squads on a budget.
1B: Oscar Charleston (Legend, 99 OVR), Dick Allen (Legend, 99 OVR), and Salvador Perez (Legend, 99 OVR) all offer fantastic value and flexibility. Charleston adds speed, Allen brings raw power, and Perez's catcher versatility is unmatched.
3B: Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, and Eugenio Suarez bring mix-and-match appeal. Devers is your go-to lefty slugger, Chapman dominates on defense, and Suarez provides big power potential if you can manage his strikeouts.
SS: Elly De La Cruz (93 OVR) and Trea Turner (90 OVR) headline the A-tier shortstops. De La Cruz is a menace on the bases, and Turner remains the king of speed and small-ball play. Corey Seager (92 OVR) rounds it out with top-tier hitting and smooth mechanics.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Dream Infield
If you want to dominate MLB The Show 25's competitive modes, these S-tier infielders are essential. Players like Bryce Harper, Ketel Marte, Jose Ramirez, and Bobby Witt Jr. are redefining the infield meta with versatility, athleticism, and power. Pair them with reliable A-tier options like Elly De La Cruz or Rafael Devers, and you've got the perfect mix of star power and value.
Whether you play for fun, chase leaderboard glory, or build buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs around your favorite legends, the right infielders can make all the difference between a walk-off win and a heartbreaking loss.