If you’re a regular Diamond Dynasty player, you already know how central Stubs are to the MLB The Show 25 experience. They’re the main currency used to buy player cards, unlock packs, upgrade your squad, and speed up progress through programs and events. While there are ways to grind for stubs in-game, it can be a long and repetitive process—especially if you’re trying to keep up with new content drops or limited-time events.
That’s where buying stubs comes into play. Many players—especially those who can’t dedicate hours to daily grinding—opt to purchase stubs from third-party sellers to stay competitive. However, diving into the market without a clear strategy can be risky. There are scams to avoid, best practices to follow, and smart ways to stretch your dollar further.
As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of both in-game grinding and third-party purchases, I’ve put together 10 practical tips that can help you buy MLB The Show 25 stubs safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned vet, these tips will help you make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s get into it.
1. Choose a Trusted Seller
The most important decision when buying stubs is choosing where to buy them. A trusted seller will offer more than just a good price—they’ll provide secure payment options, clear instructions, responsive customer service, and a solid reputation in the community. Before making any purchase, take time to:
- Check reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot, or gaming forums. Look for consistent positive feedback and how the seller handles issues.
- Verify site age and activity. A platform that’s been around for several years and frequently updates its content is more reliable than a site that appeared overnight.
- Look for visible contact methods. Reputable sites usually offer live chat, email support, or even Discord servers where you can talk to a real person.
Remember, buying from the wrong place doesn’t just risk your money—it can also put your MLB The Show account at risk.
2. Avoid Unrealistic Prices
We all want the best deal possible—but super cheap stub offers are usually a red flag. If one site is offering prices that are significantly lower than others, proceed with caution. Here’s why:
- Too-low prices may indicate the site uses shady or automated methods that violate the game’s terms of service, increasing your risk of a suspension or ban.
- Some sites bait customers with low prices, then upsell, delay delivery, or ghost you after payment.
- Check average market rates on 2–3 sites before you buy. This gives you a realistic benchmark and helps you spot sketchy listings.
When it comes to buying stubs, saving a couple of bucks isn’t worth risking your account or personal information.
3. Check Delivery Speed
Timing can be everything in MLB The Show 25, especially when flash sales or new card drops go live. A delay of even a few hours can mean missing out on key opportunities. That’s why it’s crucial to check a seller’s delivery timeframe before you place an order.
- Fast delivery (5–30 minutes) is common for top-tier sellers. Some even show real-time tracking so you know exactly when your order will arrive.
- Clear communication is a must. Reputable sites will give you specific delivery steps (e.g., which card to list, how to set the buy-now price) and provide updates along the way.
- Be cautious if the site doesn’t mention delivery speed at all. It could indicate long waits or inconsistent service.
If you’re buying stubs to hit a specific goal or event deadline, always prioritize sellers who are known for quick and dependable delivery.
4. Understand the Transfer Method
Buying stubs isn’t as simple as clicking “Add to Cart”—you’ll usually need to interact with the in-game marketplace to complete the transfer. Most sellers use a common method: you list a low-value player card at a highly inflated price, and they buy it to "transfer" stubs to your account.
Here’s how it typically works:
- You choose a common bronze or silver player and list them in the marketplace for a specific price (e.g., 50,000 stubs).
- The seller then purchases that card, and you receive the stubs from the sale.
- You might need to set specific start prices and durations, as instructed by the seller.
Always follow the seller’s instructions exactly. Listing the wrong card, setting an incorrect price, or missing details like expiration time could result in delays or even failed transactions. The process isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to detail.
5. Don’t Use Rare or Valuable Players for Transfers
When listing a card for stub transfer, never use players you care about, especially rare or high-value cards. There’s always a small chance the transaction doesn’t go through—either due to user error, system lag, or unexpected server issues.
- Use common-tier players, ideally ones worth less than 100 stubs under normal conditions.
- Avoid listing live series stars, Diamond cards, or collection pieces. Losing one of these can severely hurt your team progression.
- Consider stocking up on cheap transfer cards specifically for this purpose. Many stub buyers keep a stash of common bronze players just for safe trading.
Playing it safe ensures your main roster remains untouched and risk-free throughout the transaction.
6. Use a Backup Account for First-Time Orders
If you’re buying from a seller for the first time—or just trying out the process—you may want to use a secondary MLB The Show account as a test run. While this isn’t mandatory, it can provide peace of mind and lower risk if anything goes wrong.
- Backup accounts allow you to test the seller’s reliability, delivery speed, and support without putting your main account on the line.
- You can even use a shared console profile to create a new user and link it to a separate MLB The Show profile.
- Once you’re confident in the process and the seller’s legitimacy, you can safely place larger or repeat orders on your primary account.
This approach is especially useful if you’ve never purchased stubs before and want to ease into it without stress.
7. Keep Your Order History Clean
While many players buy stubs without ever facing penalties, it’s still smart to take precautions that reduce account flagging risks. One common strategy among veteran players is to split large purchases into multiple smaller transactions instead of one giant order.
Here’s why that helps:
- Smaller orders attract less attention and resemble normal in-game market activity.
- It’s easier to track and verify delivery issues when dealing with smaller chunks.
- If you ever run into problems, you’re not losing your entire budget in one go.
This method isn’t foolproof, and there’s no official statement from San Diego Studio confirming this works—but it’s a widely shared tactic among the community, and it adds an extra layer of security if you’re concerned about keeping your account clean.
8. Look Out for Promo Codes or Coupons
Before you click “buy,” always check if the site offers discounts, promo codes, or loyalty bonuses. A quick 30-second search could save you a decent chunk of money—especially on larger purchases.
Ways to find deals:
- Check the website banner or homepage for ongoing seasonal promotions.
- Ask live support if there’s a first-time buyer discount or newsletter signup code.
- Search on forums or Reddit for user-shared codes (but be careful with sketchy links).
Some sellers also offer bulk discounts or free bonus stubs for repeat buyers, so it’s worth sticking with one platform if you plan on buying regularly.
9. Don’t Buy During Server Maintenance or Market Glitches
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many players try to buy stubs while MLB The Show’s servers are down or unstable. If the in-game marketplace isn’t functioning properly, your order might be delayed—or worse, stuck in limbo.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Scheduled server maintenance, usually announced on the game’s official social media or forums.
- Content drops or patch days, which can cause lag or disconnections.
- Unplanned market crashes, especially after major promos or new card releases.
Before placing an order, hop into the game and confirm the marketplace is running smoothly. A little patience can save you a lot of frustration.
10. Know the Risks Involved
Let’s be clear: buying stubs from third-party sellers is not officially supported by MLB The Show’s developers. While bans are rare and most players go unnoticed, there’s always a small risk involved—especially if you ignore safety tips.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Buying stubs violates the game’s terms of service, so you’re doing it at your own discretion.
- Avoid public bragging—don’t post screenshots of your transaction or talk openly in forums about purchased stubs.
- Follow the seller’s instructions carefully to minimize suspicious activity.
Most players who buy smart, stay discreet, and use legit sellers never have a problem—but it’s always good to stay informed and aware of the potential consequences.
Buying MLB The Show 25 stubs can be a real time-saver—especially if you’re chasing rare cards, grinding programs, or just want to stay competitive in Diamond Dynasty. As long as you do your research, follow safe practices, and make smart purchases, you can enjoy all the benefits of a boosted roster without the grind or unnecessary risk.
