How to Build a Winning BR Squad

The key to winning in BR isn't just playing well—it's building a smart, meta-relevant lineup from the moment the draft begins. Let's dive into the best practices to MLB 25 Stubs give yourself the upper hand.

1. Spend Your Diamond Picks on Position Players Only

This is the most important rule in Battle Royale: never waste your Diamond picks on pitchers, no matter how shiny that 99-overall rating may look.

Why? Pitchers in BR have stamina limits. Even if you draft a top-tier ace, they'll only pitch once every few games. Position players, on the other hand, are active in every single game. That makes their impact far more consistent and valuable.

So, when your draft gives you the chance to pick a Diamond, look for true game-changers—sluggers, elite defenders, or switch-hitters who can anchor your lineup. As tempting as it may be to grab a 99-rated starter like Roger Clemens, resist the urge. Offense reigns supreme in BR.

2. Build Your Pitching Staff Around Pitch Mixes

Since you're reserving Diamonds for hitters, your pitching staff will be made up mostly of Silver, Bronze, and even Common players. That's fine—as long as you focus on pitch mix.

Prioritize pitchers who have a sinker, cutter, or slider. Bonus points if they have high velocity or outlier quirks. Those attributes can help disrupt your opponent's timing and reduce the likelihood of giving up a moonshot (though nothing is guaranteed in BR's slugfest environment).

It's also worth noting that one of your Gold picks can be spent on a reliever if you've already secured strong hitters. Just don't go overboard—offense should still be the priority.

3. Target "Budget Beasts" With Meta Swings or Hidden Power

In BR, some of the most effective players aren't rated all that highly. You'll often come across Silver or Gold cards that perform way above their listed attributes thanks to good swing mechanics, stance animations, or hidden meta traits.

For example, a Silver 79-rated Jason Giambi might not seem special, but his swing timing, stance, and raw power make him a home run machine against lower-tier pitching. Adam Dunn and Giancarlo Stanton's live series cards are similar. They're not balanced, but they crush the ball in the right hands.

When evaluating a pick, ask yourself: Does this player have high power and a smooth swing? That matters more than overall rating in this mode.

4. Use Your Common Pick on a Useless Starting Pitcher

Every draft includes a Common player round. The best practice? Use it on a fifth starter you never plan to actually pitch. That way, they're buried in your rotation and won't hurt your chances.

Why this works: your ace starter will typically be available every few games. If you manage their stamina smartly and rotate effectively, you'll rarely need to go five pitchers deep.

If your rotation is already set, another smart use of the Common pick is a pinch runner with high speed, or a righty reliever to use in emergencies.

5. Balance Your Lineup and Bullpen by Handedness

To succeed in Battle Royale, balance is crucial, especially when it comes to lefty vs. righty matchups. You'll want a healthy mix of both in your lineup and bullpen to ensure you're not caught off guard by your opponent's handedness.

If your first Diamond pick is a right-handed power bat, try to make your second Diamond a lefty or switch hitter. The same applies to your pitching staff. Left-handed relievers are particularly valuable in BR, as they're less common and can give you an edge in high-leverage situations.

Always keep one eye on your handedness balance as you draft. It can be the difference between winning and flaming out early.

Final Thoughts

While Battle Royale isn't the prestige grind it once was, it still holds strategic and financial value, especially if you're capable of earning early rewards before their value drops. The fast-paced nature of the mode and its emphasis on offense make it both thrilling and frustrating, but for competitive players who enjoy short games and clever roster-building, it remains one of the most compelling parts of MLB The Show 25.

So if you're looking to cheap MLB The Show Stubs test your skills, earn big rewards, or just shake up your Diamond Dynasty grind, Battle Royale deserves a second look. Just remember: draft smart, swing hard, and whatever you do, don't pick a Diamond pitcher.