MLB The Show 25 Review – Is It Worth Playing?

I can imagine how hard it is to release a new game every year like MLB The Show 25. Developers have to add new features, fix old issues, and create new content—all in a short time. And in the end, most players just want to know one thing: Is it worth upgrading from last year?

With major changes to Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty modes, the answer this year is a big yes.

The core baseball gameplay hasn’t changed much, but a few small updates improve the experience. New rules like two-way players, shift changes, and the pitch clock are fully included now. There are also new quick-time events when you control a single player, such as the swim move to dodge tags. It doesn’t happen too often, but it feels fun when it does.

Defenders now react differently based on their skills, so weaker players perform worse in the field. This makes good defenders even more valuable, especially in Franchise mode.

Another new feature is ambush hitting, where you can guess inside or outside pitches. It helps if you guess right, but I found myself doing better by staying neutral most of the time. The hitting still feels solid overall, but hitting perfect contact doesn’t always give big rewards, which is a bit disappointing. Hopefully, that improves with updates.

Franchise mode is mostly the same as last year, and it’s still fun. One of my favorite parts is simulating games until a key moment pops up, letting me take control when it really matters.

Free agent signings have changed—you now select a few top targets and build interest over time. It’s simpler and adds some strategy when choosing between chasing big stars or filling roster gaps.

MLB The Show 25 makes enough improvements to be worth playing, especially if you love Road To The Show, Diamond Dynasty, or building your dream team in Franchise mode.

MLB The Show 25: What’s New and Worth Trying

The core gameplay of MLB The Show 25 remains solid, with small yet impactful updates rather than major overhauls. Modes like Franchise and March to October now feature new player comparisons, and the addition of the challenging G.O.A.T. difficulty will test even the most skilled players.

In Road to the Show, there are significant improvements. Now, you start as a high school player, not just in the combine. This gives a fresh feel, as you try to impress scouts and recruiters. For example, my two-way player, Pinky Rogers, had the option to go straight to the pros or play in college. I chose college, which helped me progress faster in the minor leagues, thanks to better stats.

Another notable change is how players are upgraded. The previous “use it to improve it” method has been replaced with a token system, where you accumulate points through good gameplay. It’s a small change but adds depth and makes it hard to resist “just one more game.”

Storylines return for their third season, focusing on the Negro League. This mode blends history and gameplay, letting you experience the careers of legendary players like “Cool Papa” Bell. While the historical mini-documentaries remain excellent, there’s been little new added to the gameplay side, making it feel a bit repetitive. The absence of a major new player storyline, like Derek Jeter in MLB The Show 24, is a bit of a letdown.

Diamond Dynasty, the live-service mode, has seen some great improvements. The old system of rotating cards in and out of use has been removed, making your hard-earned players permanent additions to your team. Additionally, Diamond Quest, a new single-player mode inspired by roguelike board games, is a fun way to collect rewards and high-level cards.

MLB The Show 25 brings enough improvements to keep it fresh, especially with Road to the Show and Diamond Dynasty updates. While some modes could use more innovation, there’s plenty to enjoy for baseball fans.

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Conclusion

MLB The Show 25 keeps its spot as one of the best sports games out there.

The new upgrade system and starting your player’s journey from high school make Road to the Show feel fresh and exciting. Diamond Dynasty is also much better now with the removal of Sets and Seasons, letting you keep your favorite cards.

While the Storylines mode could’ve been improved, it’s still a meaningful addition that highlights baseball’s history. Small updates like better infielder reactions and new moves like the swim move make the gameplay even smoother.

For a yearly release, MLB The Show 25 brings enough new features to make it worth playing.