As the postseason drama unfolds across real MLB diamonds, MLB The Show 25 mirrors that intensity with its own October meta shake-up in Diamond Dynasty. Pitchers define games in this mode - one misplaced slider or undercooked fastball can mean the difference between a no-hitter and a rage-quit. Whether you're chasing ranked glory, completing Conquest maps, or simply building your all-time rotation, understanding which arms dominate the current landscape is essential.
 
This updated tier list for MLB The Show 25 Diamond Dynasty (as of early October 2025) spotlights the MLB The Show 25 Stubs best-performing pitchers - both starters and relievers - based on live series updates, community data, and in-game analytics. We've factored in everything from stamina and pitch mix to meta-defining PlayStyles+ like Filthy Pitch and K Control, which can elevate an otherwise average hurler into postseason legend status.
 
S-Tier: The True Mound Masters
 
1. Pedro Martínez (99 OVR Signature Series)
Pedro's Signature card remains the gold standard for elite pitching this season. His combination of stamina, deception, and command makes him lethal in ranked play. With the Filthy Pitch+ PlayStyle active, his circle change and running fastball combo can neutralize even power-heavy lineups. His pinpoint control allows him to live on the edges, and the velocity differentials between his fastball (97 mph) and off-speed pitches keep hitters guessing all game long.
 
2. Shohei Ohtani (99 OVR All-Star MVP)
Ohtani continues to be the two-way face of The Show, but his pitching card alone earns him an S-tier slot. The Power Pitcher+ PlayStyle gives his 102 mph heater devastating rise, and his splitter might be the single most whiff-inducing pitch in the game. He's also one of the few pitchers who can contribute offensively, which adds strategic flexibility in Battle Royale or long event grinds.
 
3. Randy Johnson (99 OVR Milestone)
No meta is complete without the Big Unit. His 6'10" frame and intimidating delivery make his slider and fastball almost impossible to pick up. Johnson's Outlier I ability guarantees triple-digit heat well into the late innings. Even as players adapt to his motion, his sheer dominance and strikeout potential ensure his continued relevance deep into October.
 
A-Tier: Elite Arms Just a Step Behind
 
1. Sandy Alcantara (97 OVR Finest)
Alcantara's stamina and sinker velocity make him a workhorse for long ranked sessions. The Groundball Specialist+ PlayStyle boosts his effectiveness against sluggers who feast on high pitches. His ability to induce soft contact and limit home runs keeps him valuable, especially in smaller stadiums or wind-heavy matchups.
 
2. Corbin Burnes (96 OVR Future Stars Flashback)
Burnes remains a player-favorite for his signature cutter-sinker combo. His Control Artist+ PlayStyle amplifies his precision, making every corner of the strike zone a weapon. Burnes excels in player-vs-player formats where unpredictable sequencing can frustrate opponents expecting speed over movement.
 
3. Max Scherzer (96 OVR Milestone)
Mad Max might not have the same overpowering velocity as Ohtani or Johnson, but his elite break on sliders and changeups still confounds top-tier batters. His Intimidator+ PlayStyle gives him an edge in late innings, where clutch performance and emotion translate directly into strikeouts.
 
B-Tier: Reliable Rotation Anchors
 
1. Gerrit Cole (94 OVR Live Series)
Cole is as steady as they come. While his card lacks the flash of legend-tier options, his pitch mix remains competitive. The K Control+ boost improves his consistency, and when paired with a defensive-minded catcher, he can dominate in offline and early-ranked grinds.
 
2. Blake Snell (93 OVR Postseason Heroes)
Snell thrives against right-handed batters, and his slider-changeup combo makes him a menace in tight matchups. His only drawback is lower stamina, which prevents him from going deep into games without bullpen support. Still, in the hands of skilled players, he's a dangerous mid-rotation weapon.
 
3. Cole Ragans (92 OVR Breakout Series)
Ragans represents one of the best budget options available in October. His fastball velocity and surprisingly strong break on his curveball make him a sneaky pick for players who don't want to burn stubs on top-tier legends.
 
Relief Royalty: The Bullpen Tier Highlights
 
S-Tier - Mariano Rivera (99 OVR Signature Series)
The cutter king remains the bullpen's crown jewel. Rivera's Closer+ PlayStyle boosts clutch and control under pressure, making him nearly unhittable in save situations. Even when hitters know the cutter is coming, its late movement shatters bats and spirits alike.
 
A-Tier - Josh Hader (97 OVR Finest)
Hader's deceptive delivery and elite break keep him valuable late in games. His slider and high four-seamer combination devastates opposite-handed hitters, and his Whiff Wizard+ PlayStyle ensures high K rates even in high-leverage situations.
 
A-Tier - Devin Williams (96 OVR All-Star)
Williams' "Airbender" changeup continues to be one of MLB The Show 25's nastiest offerings. While his velocity doesn't touch the high 90s, his movement profile and control make him a crucial bridge to the ninth inning in competitive lineups.
 
Building the Perfect October Pitching Staff
 
Stacking your rotation doesn't require draining your stub balance through endless event grinds. The best strategy for MLB The Show 25 this October is blending high-OVR legends with efficient live series arms. Focus on pitchers who can adapt to different game modes - for instance, using stamina-heavy starters for Conquest and clutch relievers for Ranked play.
 
Moreover, prioritize break rating and pitch diversity over pure velocity. With player timing and PCI accuracy being more skill-driven this year, movement-heavy pitchers with deceptive deliveries often outperform their 100-mph counterparts. Cards like Alcantara and Burnes reward smart sequencing and pitch tunneling rather than brute force.
 
Final Thoughts
 
October's MLB The Show 25 meta is a celebration of pitching artistry. Whether you're freezing opponents with a backdoor slider or overwhelming them with 102 mph heat, mastering the mound is the surest route to ranked success. The top-tier arms - from Pedro and Ohtani to Rivera - redefine dominance this season, but even budget-friendly pitchers can rise to the occasion with the right strategy and PlayStyles+.
 
In a year where every inning counts and buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs  every pitch could seal your World Series run, assembling a balanced rotation is no longer optional - it's your ticket to October glory.