Best Pitchers in MLB The Show 25
For this breakdown, we're including both starting pitchers and relievers. The list isn't ranked because player preferences vary, some gamers prefer power pitchers who overpower batters, while others gravitate toward control specialists who can paint the corners. The common thread? Every pitcher here is a staple in top-tier lineups, and all of them can give you a huge edge whether you're chasing Ranked Seasons wins, competing in Events, or taking on Conquest maps.
If you've saved up MLB 25 Stubs or purchased MLB The Show 25 Stubs to strengthen your roster, these pitchers are well worth the investment.
Al Leiter (Standout Series)
Al Leiter's 95-rated Standout card might not boast the flashiest overall in today's power-crept environment, but it remains a dangerous weapon. His sinker is the centerpiece, featuring wicked break and deceptive speed despite topping out around 95 MPH. Even with a modest 75 walks-per-9 rating, Leiter can still paint corners, especially to right-handed batters.
The real magic comes when you tunnel that sinker with his cutter, slider, and slower changeup, making it difficult for opponents to time their swings. Leiter may not have the pinpoint control of some newer 99s, but in the hands of a skilled player, he can frustrate even the most disciplined hitters.
Roger Clemens (Awards Series)
Unlocked by completing the American League Live Series collection, Roger Clemens' Awards Series card was the first 99-rated pitcher in the game, and it's still one of the best. Clemens thrives with his outlier fastball, devastating sinker, and splitter combo, allowing him to overpower batters while mixing in enough off-speed pitches to keep them guessing.
His slider can be inconsistent due to its larger Pitch Accuracy Region (PAR), but by primarily leaning on the fastball-sinker-splitter trio and sprinkling in a curveball or slider as a surprise, Clemens remains elite. If you've completed the collection and earned him, there's almost no reason he shouldn't be in your rotation.
Andrew Miller (Prime Series)
Andrew Miller has been a bullpen legend in The Show for years, and his Prime Series card continues that tradition. He's not a velocity monster, but his funky left-handed delivery and sweeping slider make him lethal in high-leverage situations.
His slider is his signature weapon, nasty against both righties and lefties, and now, unlike some past versions, he also has a circle change for added variety. This 96-rated card can be picked up for roughly 30,000 stubs, making him one of the best bullpen investments you can make if you have some MLB 25 Stubs saved up. Miller thrives late in games when every pitch matters.
Clayton Kershaw (Milestone Series)
To celebrate Clayton Kershaw reaching 3,000 career strikeouts, MLB The Show 25 released a Milestone Series card that quickly became a fan favorite. Kershaw's pitch mix is balanced and deadly: a fastball with sneaky life, a sharp slider, a slow 12–6 curveball, a circle change, and a sinker to jam hitters.
His delivery is notoriously hard to pick up, giving him an extra edge. While his card is obtainable for free through the Players Program, it does require a grind, but the reward is a top-tier starter who can anchor your rotation deep into the game's life cycle. For players looking to avoid spending MLB The Show 25 Stubs, Kershaw's grindable nature makes him an outstanding target.
Adrian Morejon (Spotlight Series)
Another high-impact lefty, Adrian Morejon's 96-rated Spotlight card is proof that you don't always need a 99 to dominate. His outlier sinker has sharp bite and sets up beautifully off his cutter, slider, and fastball. When used properly, Morejon can induce weak contact and rack up strikeouts against even the toughest opponents.
While he's not as widely used as Clemens or Kershaw, those who've faced him know how effective he can be, especially in bullpen situations where his mix of velocity and movement shines.
Choosing the Right Pitcher for Your Playstyle
All of these pitchers have a place in MLB The Show 25, but which one is best for you depends on how you approach the game:
If you thrive on movement and deception, Al Leiter and Andrew Miller fit the bill.
If you want overpowering stuff with versatility, Roger Clemens and Clayton Kershaw are your go-to arms.
If you like mixing velocity with crafty pitch sequencing, Adrian Morejon offers an underrated option.
Stubs, Strategy, and Roster Building
Acquiring top-tier pitchers in MLB The Show 25 can be done through grinding, market sniping, or outright purchasing them from the in-game marketplace. Whether you're earning MLB 25 Stubs through gameplay or buying MLB The Show 25 Stubs to speed up roster building, pitchers like these are safe investments.
Tips for Maximizing Your Stub Spend:
Monitor the Market: Prices often dip after new content drops, especially when pitchers are pulled from packs more frequently.
Sell Before New Releases: If you're replacing a pitcher, sell them before a new, similar card hits the market to maximize returns.
Grind Free Programs: Cards like Milestone Kershaw are obtainable without spending stubs, freeing up your currency for other upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Pitching wins games in MLB The Show 25, and having elite arms in your rotation and bullpen can be the difference between a deep Ranked Seasons run and an early exit. Whether you're spending MLB 25 Stubs strategically or putting your MLB The Show 25 Stubstoward premium picks, these five pitchers represent some of the best value and performance available right now.
As new cards drop throughout the season, this list will evolve, but for now, if you add any combination of these names to your squad, you'll have one of the most feared pitching staffs in the game.