MLB The Show 25 continues to captivate fans with its deep Diamond Dynasty (DD) system, and one of the most anticipated players to add to your roster this season is John Donaldson. Known for his powerful arm and diverse pitch arsenal, Donaldson is a game-changer in any rotation, providing both dominance and versatility. Unlocking him, however, requires a combination of dedication, strategy, and smart management of your MLB The Show 25 Stubs. This guide breaks down how to add John Donaldson to your squad and maximize his impact in Diamond Dynasty.

Why John Donaldson Matters

John Donaldson is more than just a highly rated card-he’s a cornerstone for any competitive pitching staff. With elite velocity, movement, and pitch variety, he allows players to control the mound in ways few others can. His ability to mix pitches effectively keeps opposing hitters off balance, making him a reliable ace for long games and high-stakes matchups.

Beyond raw stats, Donaldson brings a strategic advantage. In MLB The Show 25, managing stamina, pitch selection, and situational awareness is crucial. Donaldson’s card makes these aspects more manageable due to his well-rounded skill set. For players looking to climb Division Rivals or excel in ranked DD matches, having Donaldson in your rotation can tilt games in your favor.

The Path to Unlocking John Donaldson

Unlocking Donaldson is not instantaneous. Players must engage in multiple programs and challenges that span the game’s modes, including storylines, events, and mission objectives. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:

Storylines and Programs
MLB The Show 25 often releases storylines as part of ongoing content updates. These can include tasks such as winning a certain number of games, achieving statistical milestones, or completing themed objectives. To unlock Donaldson, players will likely need to complete a specific set of storylines, each rewarding progress toward the legendary southpaw.

Grinding Events
Events are another major pathway. Weekly and seasonal events in Diamond Dynasty provide opportunities to earn program points, packs, and player rewards. Focusing on these events is crucial, as they often deliver the final pieces needed to unlock a high-profile player like Donaldson. Consistency is key-logging in daily and completing event objectives maximizes your chances of earning the necessary rewards without spending extra MLB 25 Stubs.

Using MLB 25 Stubs Wisely
While grinding is free, it can be time-consuming. MLB 25 Stubs allow players to accelerate progress by purchasing packs or program pieces. However, careful management is essential. Not all packs offer equal value, and overspending on the wrong rewards can leave you short when the final pieces of Donaldson’s program become available. Consider saving Stubs for targeted purchases or for completing the final stages of the program when you’re close to unlocking him.

Strategic Tips for Completing Donaldson’s Program

Plan Your Grind Efficiently
Track which objectives you’ve completed and which remain. Focus on high-value challenges that progress you toward Donaldson while also providing XP, program points, or coins that can support other areas of your roster. Avoid getting sidetracked with low-reward tasks that prolong the grind without meaningful benefit.

Balance Offline and Online Play
Depending on your skill level, balancing offline and online play can optimize progress. Offline missions often provide guaranteed completion rewards, while online events can offer higher-value payouts but carry the risk of losses. Combining both approaches allows steady progression without excessive frustration.

Leverage Team Synergies
When grinding events or completing storylines, consider your overall squad composition. Using lineups that complement each challenge can improve your win rate and efficiency. For example, if a program requires a high number of strikeouts or scoreless innings, optimize your rotation and bullpen to maximize performance metrics.

Monitor Market Opportunities
The Diamond Dynasty marketplace can provide shortcuts for acquiring some of the required pieces. Keep an eye on auctions for program cards or items that may accelerate your path to Donaldson. Using the market wisely can reduce grinding time while ensuring you maintain your resource balance.

Looking Ahead: Higher-Rated Versions

It’s worth noting that MLB The Show 25 often releases upgraded versions of popular players later in the season. While the initial John Donaldson card is a powerful addition, there’s a strong possibility that a higher-rated version will drop, offering even more velocity, pitch movement, or stamina. For players who unlock the initial version early, this provides an opportunity to immediately integrate him into your rotation and prepare for future upgrades.

Planning for this eventuality is important. Save MLB 25 Stubs and coins if you intend to upgrade Donaldson later in the season. This forward-thinking approach ensures that you can maintain a competitive edge while maximizing the value of your roster investments.

Maximizing Donaldson’s Impact in Diamond Dynasty

Once unlocked, leveraging Donaldson’s skills effectively requires more than just placing him in your rotation. Consider the following strategies:

Pitch Mix and Sequencing: Donaldson’s card offers multiple pitch types. Use this variety to keep hitters guessing and exploit weaknesses based on opposing lineups.

Rest and Stamina Management: To maintain peak performance, rotate Donaldson carefully within your pitching staff, especially during high-stakes ranked matches.

Synergy with Lineup: Pair Donaldson with strong defensive players and reliable relievers to maximize the team’s overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

Unlocking John Donaldson in MLB The Show 25 is a rewarding endeavor that combines strategy, persistence, and resource management. With his elite arm, diverse pitch arsenal, and game-changing potential, Donaldson is a cornerstone addition to any Diamond Dynasty rotation. Whether you grind every program or judiciously use cheap MLB The Show S 25 Stubs to acquire the final pieces, the payoff is clear: a dominant left-handed pitcher who can tilt games in your favor.

As the season progresses, the opportunity for even higher-rated versions ensures that Donaldson remains a player to watch. By planning your grind, managing your resources, and optimizing your roster, you can make the most of this legendary southpaw and leave a lasting mark on your Ultimate Team. Your path to John Donaldson begins now-prepare, strategize, and dominate the mound.