In MLB The Show 25, Diamond cards are the pinnacle of player cards, offering the best stats and abilities. However, not all Diamond cards are created equal, and acquiring these top-tier players can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. For players who are looking toMLB The Show 25 Stubs build a competitive team without breaking the bank, budget and free Diamond cards are a great option.

Fortunately, there are numerous Diamond cards in MLB The Show 25 that are affordable or even obtainable for free. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player trying to maximize your squad without spending real money, this article will highlight the best budget and free Diamond cards available in the game.

What Makes a Card "Budget-Friendly"?
In the world of MLB The Show 25, a "budget" card is typically defined as one that offers excellent value for its cost. These cards usually cost significantly less than the top-tier Diamonds but still provide solid stats and great performance on the field. When evaluating whether a card is budget-friendly, we consider several factors:

Card Price: Budget cards typically range from 5,000 to 20,000 Stubs, which is affordable for most players, especially if you're in the early stages of your Ultimate Team journey.

Stats and Attributes: Even on a budget, these cards should offer key attributes like high Contact, Power, or Pitching stats, allowing them to perform at a high level in various gameplay situations.

Availability: Some cards can be found through in-game rewards, player programs, or exchange sets, which helps players save Stubs without paying for packs.

In this article, we'll discuss both budget and free Diamond cards, giving you options for each position to help fill your roster with elite talent without burning through your resources.

1. Best Budget Diamond Hitters
A. Mike Piazza (Catcher)
Price Range: 10,000-15,000 Stubs
Mike Piazza is one of the best budget Diamond catchers in MLB The Show 25. With his powerful bat and solid defensive stats, Piazza offers a great value for those looking for a catcher with both offensive power and reliability behind the plate. His Power and Contact ratings, especially against right-handed pitchers, make him a consistent offensive threat. His Fielding is solid enough to hold his own behind the plate without being a liability.

B. Andrew McCutchen (Outfielder)
Price Range: 15,000-18,000 Stubs
Andrew McCutchen is an excellent budget outfielder who combines speed, contact, and power. His 99 Contact against right-handers and 88 Power against left-handers make him a balanced hitter who can also wreak havoc on the bases with his 87 Speed. His Fielding is solid as well, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. McCutchen is one of those players who can contribute on both offense and defense, making him an excellent value for his price.

C. Justin Turner (Third Base)
Price Range: 12,000-18,000 Stubs
If you need a reliable bat in the middle of your lineup without spending a ton of Stubs, Justin Turner is a fantastic budget-friendly option at third base. His 90+ Contact ratings against both left- and right-handed pitchers make him a consistent bat, while his 88 Power ensures he can drive the ball deep. Turner's Fielding is solid, and he can hold his own at the hot corner. His versatility and offensive consistency make him an essential addition for players on a budget.

2. Best Budget Diamond Pitchers
A. Noah Syndergaard (Starting Pitcher)
Price Range: 8,000-14,000 Stubs
Syndergaard, or "Thor," is a budget-friendly starting pitcher with the potential to dominate hitters with his high Velocity and Pitching Repertoire. With a 99 Fastball and an excellent Slider, Syndergaard provides great Strikeouts potential. His Control and Stamina allow him to pitch deep into games without losing effectiveness. Thor is a great budget option for anyone looking to improve their rotation.

B. Josh Hader (Relief Pitcher)
Price Range: 12,000-16,000 Stubs
Josh Hader is one of the most overpowering left-handed relievers in the game and a steal at his price. His 99 K/9 and 99 Velocity make him a nightmare for opposing batters. Hader’s Slider and Fastball are both highly effective pitches, allowing him to generate swings and misses at will. With his ability to come in and shut down games in the later innings, Hader is a perfect option for a budget bullpen.

C. Charlie Morton (Starting Pitcher)
Price Range: 10,000-14,000 Stubs
Charlie Morton is an outstanding budget starting pitcher who offers excellent control and a great pitch mix. With 99 Control, 94 K/9, and an arsenal that includes a deadly Curveball, Morton can keep hitters off-balance and generate weak contact. His Stamina allows him to pitch deep into games, making him an excellent option as a middle-of-the-rotation arm for any budget-conscious team.

3. Best Free Diamond Cards
While budget cards provide great value for a reasonable price, free Diamond cards can be a game-changer, especially for players who grind through programs or complete missions.

A. Jackie Robinson (Second Base)
How to Obtain: Completed Jackie Robinson Program
Jackie Robinson’s free Diamond card is one of the best second basemen in the game, with excellent Contact and Speed. His 99 Contact against right-handers, combined with his 88 Power, makes him a well-rounded hitter, and his Speed (96) allows him to contribute on the base paths as well. Defensively, Robinson’s Fielding and Arm Strength make him an elite second baseman. For players looking to add a top-tier middle infielder without spending any Stubs, Jackie Robinson is a must-have.

B. Vlad Guerrero Jr. (First Base/Designated Hitter)
How to Obtain: Completed Moments or Conquest Missions
Vlad Guerrero Jr. is a free Diamond card that offers elite power with solid contact. His 99 Power and 97 Contact against both left- and right-handed pitchers make him a dangerous hitter in any lineup. Additionally, his Fielding and Speed allow him to be a versatile contributor. While he doesn’t have the best fielding stats for a first baseman, his bat more than makes up for it. Completing the necessary objectives will net you this powerful hitter at no cost.

C. Trevor Story (Shortstop)
How to Obtain: Completed Player Programs or Conquest Missions
Trevor Story’s free Diamond card is one of the best shortstops in the game. His 99 Power and 96 Contact against right-handed pitchers give him the ability to hit for both average and power. His Speed is also high, giving him an edge in both defense and on the base paths. Story’s strong arm and Fielding make him a gold-glove candidate at shortstop. For any player looking to fill the shortstop position with an elite player, Story is a fantastic option for free.

4. Why Budget and Free Diamonds Matter
Both budget and free Diamond cards offer a unique advantage for players looking to build a competitive team without breaking the bank. These cards allow you to focus your Stubs on other areas of your team or save them for future content updates. Additionally, free Diamond cards add a layer of excitement and reward to the game, giving players who grind through challenges the chance to earn elite talent without having to spend real money or accumulate vast amounts of Stubs.

Conclusion
In MLB The Show 25, building a competitive team doesn’t require spending a fortune on the best Diamond cards. Budget and free Diamond cards can provide elite production without draining your resources. Whether you’re grinding through programs or looking for affordable alternatives in the market, the players discussed in this article can significantly improve your roster without leaving a dent in your Stubs balance.

By incorporating these budget-friendly and free Diamond players into your lineup, you’ll have a squad that can compete at the highest levels while maintaining a smart, strategic approach to
MLB Stubs for sale resource management.