Drafting is where the mode lives and dies. A smart draft can carry a decent player to MLB 25 Stubs nine or more wins, while a poor one can doom even strong players to an early exit. Here are some essential tips for making the most of each draft:
- Use Diamond Picks on Position Players, Not Pitchers
You only get three Diamond selections, so you need them to make an impact every single game. Pitchers, even elite 99 OVR ones, don't give you that. Due to stamina limitations, your best starters can only appear once every few games.
Position players, on the other hand, are always available. A slugging outfielder, dynamic infielder, or switch-hitting catcher can affect every single game. Resist the urge to grab that flashy Diamond pitcher. You'll be better off in the long run.
- Prioritize Pitchers With Strong Pitch Mixes
Since your highest picks are going toward hitters, you'll need to be smart when assembling your rotation and bullpen. This is where Bronze and Silver selections come into play.
Target pitchers with sinkers, cutters, or outlier velocity. These pitch types are crucial for disrupting timing and jamming hitters, which is important in a three-inning game format that often turns into a home run derby.
Once you've secured your core lineup, using one Gold pick on a top-tier reliever is acceptable. But don't over-invest in pitching, this mode favors offense above all else.
- Look For Meta Swings and Hidden Gems
Some low-rated cards perform well beyond their attributes. These are often called "budget beasts", cards that, thanks to swing mechanics or specific attribute distributions, punch well above their weight.
Take 79 OVR Jason Giambi, for example. Despite his Silver rating, he has a powerful, smooth swing that plays incredibly well in BR. The same goes for players like Adam Dunn or Live Series Giancarlo Stanton. They may lack versatility or defensive prowess, but in a short game, their power and swing timing can change everything.
When in doubt, draft for power over contact, and look for hitters with proven swings. One homer can be the difference between a win and a loss in BR.
- Burn Your Common Pick On a Starter
Every BR draft includes one Common-rated player. The best way to handle this is to use that pick on a fifth starting pitcher, ideally someone you can completely avoid using. This frees up bullpen and lineup spots for stronger players.
Why does this work? Because your primary starter will regain stamina every few games, letting you recycle your ace without ever needing that fifth guy. If you've already filled out your rotation with solid arms, you can alternatively use the Common pick on a pinch runner or emergency reliever.
- Build a Balanced Lineup and Bullpen
Handedness matters. If your lineup is full of right-handed hitters, you'll get punished by savvy opponents who load up on tough righty pitchers. Balance things out with lefties and switch-hitters to avoid being predictable.
This also applies to your bullpen. Left-handed relievers with decent pitch mixes are incredibly valuable in BR and can neutralize power right-handed bats. If you spot a good lefty arm during a Bronze or Silver round, grab it, they're rarer than you think.
Try to stagger your lineup to avoid long stretches of same-handed hitters. Variety keeps your opponent guessing and allows for better matchup opportunities in buy MLB 25 Stubs tight games.
