Top Rookie Picks – The Most Coveted Newcomers in MLB The
Posted: Tue, 8 July 2025, 2:05 amWith the release of MLB The Show 25, players are buzzing about the fresh crop of rookies added to the game. These rookies aren’t just lot of mlb 25 stubs placeholders—they’re dynamic, high-ceiling athletes who can sway the tide of a franchise in Diamond Dynasty, Ranked Seasons, or Franchise Mode. We’ve ranked the five most coveted rookies based on their peak ratings, potential, and impact on all game modes.
1. Diego Rivera — SS / OWE
Rivera’s lightning-quick speed combined with elite defensive coverage makes him a gem at shortstop. His 80+ Contact and Power stats (both hands), along with 90+ Fielding, ensure he’s a threat on offense and impeccable on defense. In Franchise Mode, he’s a cornerstone of the infield. In Diamond Dynasty, he’s a premium pickup for teams needing both speed and reliable glove work.
2. Brandon Chen — RHP / HIGH K-Profile
Chen is the prototypical modern starter: explosive stuff, high K-rate, and improving stamina and control. His slider and fastball combo hovers near 90mph–94mph with solid break. He slots in anywhere from Reps 2 to 4 in your rotation, and his trajectory suggests he’ll only get better with XP investment. His ceiling makes him among the best starting pitchers in a rookie class that often lacks ace-level depth.
3. Miles Harper — CF / Speedster
Pure wheels—that’s Harper in a nutshell. With 95+ Speed and 85+ Fielding, he patrols center field effortlessly. His contact stats are solid, and while his power is modest, his speed turns routine singles into doubles and doubles into triples. He’s Diamond Dynasty’s go-to center fielder for base stealing and gap coverage. In Franchise, he’s an outfield catalyst and a future leadoff presence.
4. Ethan Martinez — LHP / Control Artisan
The southpaw specialist. Martinez doesn’t overpower but makes hitters look silly with his command and movement. His 90+ Control and 80+ Stamina give him great utility as a mid-rotation starter or long reliever. His change-up and curveball are both strong, making him a matchup nightmare. With XP, he might even reach top 20 SP rankings, thanks to quick growth, especially in control-based pitches.
5. Lucas Vaughn — 1B / Power Bat
Classic slugger, Vaughn mashes tape-measure home runs with his high Contact and Power. His Fielding is fine at first, and he’s a personality guy in Franchise, bringing excitement to the clubhouse. While not as versatile as the preceding four, Vaughn’s pure offensive upside makes him an easy first-round pick in Diamond Dynasty lineups, especially where left-handed bat power is needed.
Why These Five Stand Out
They combine immediate usability with long-term potential and versatility. Rivera and Harper bring elite athleticism. Chen and Martinez offer different pitching styles—one aggressive, one cerebral. Vaughn fulfills the power prospect profile. Coaches and gamers alike gravitate to them because they fit major roles and hold top-tier upside.
Optimal Strategy
In Diamond Dynasty, snag a couple early. Even if they start at gold programs, rapid XP means they’ll level into diamond or hall-of-fame territory quickly. In Franchise Mode, build around Rivera’s defense, Chen or Martinez on the mound, build the lineup with Vaughn, and watch Harper create havoc on the bases.
1. Diego Rivera — SS / OWE
Rivera’s lightning-quick speed combined with elite defensive coverage makes him a gem at shortstop. His 80+ Contact and Power stats (both hands), along with 90+ Fielding, ensure he’s a threat on offense and impeccable on defense. In Franchise Mode, he’s a cornerstone of the infield. In Diamond Dynasty, he’s a premium pickup for teams needing both speed and reliable glove work.
2. Brandon Chen — RHP / HIGH K-Profile
Chen is the prototypical modern starter: explosive stuff, high K-rate, and improving stamina and control. His slider and fastball combo hovers near 90mph–94mph with solid break. He slots in anywhere from Reps 2 to 4 in your rotation, and his trajectory suggests he’ll only get better with XP investment. His ceiling makes him among the best starting pitchers in a rookie class that often lacks ace-level depth.
3. Miles Harper — CF / Speedster
Pure wheels—that’s Harper in a nutshell. With 95+ Speed and 85+ Fielding, he patrols center field effortlessly. His contact stats are solid, and while his power is modest, his speed turns routine singles into doubles and doubles into triples. He’s Diamond Dynasty’s go-to center fielder for base stealing and gap coverage. In Franchise, he’s an outfield catalyst and a future leadoff presence.
4. Ethan Martinez — LHP / Control Artisan
The southpaw specialist. Martinez doesn’t overpower but makes hitters look silly with his command and movement. His 90+ Control and 80+ Stamina give him great utility as a mid-rotation starter or long reliever. His change-up and curveball are both strong, making him a matchup nightmare. With XP, he might even reach top 20 SP rankings, thanks to quick growth, especially in control-based pitches.
5. Lucas Vaughn — 1B / Power Bat
Classic slugger, Vaughn mashes tape-measure home runs with his high Contact and Power. His Fielding is fine at first, and he’s a personality guy in Franchise, bringing excitement to the clubhouse. While not as versatile as the preceding four, Vaughn’s pure offensive upside makes him an easy first-round pick in Diamond Dynasty lineups, especially where left-handed bat power is needed.
Why These Five Stand Out
They combine immediate usability with long-term potential and versatility. Rivera and Harper bring elite athleticism. Chen and Martinez offer different pitching styles—one aggressive, one cerebral. Vaughn fulfills the power prospect profile. Coaches and gamers alike gravitate to them because they fit major roles and hold top-tier upside.
Optimal Strategy
In Diamond Dynasty, snag a couple early. Even if they start at gold programs, rapid XP means they’ll level into diamond or hall-of-fame territory quickly. In Franchise Mode, build around Rivera’s defense, Chen or Martinez on the mound, build the lineup with Vaughn, and watch Harper create havoc on the bases.