With MLB The Show 25 continuing to evolve its content model, XP investment has become a serious consideration for team builders. The recent Pipeline Past card drop offers a set of young talent-focused cards that can offer long-term value — but not all cards are created equal. For mlb 25 stubsthose prioritizing efficient use of time and XP, identifying which Pipeline Past cards are worth the grind is key.

First on the list is Christian Moore (2B). He’s one of the few middle infielders in the Pipeline program who brings both power and defense in a balanced package. At a mid-tier diamond rating, Moore doesn’t blow anyone away with raw stats, but he feels great in-game. His swing is compact and his power plays up due to solid PCI placement and barrel exit velocity. He’s also earned praise for his defensive consistency — a big plus for players who hate giving up cheap infield hits.

Another strong pick is Jordan Lawlar (SS). While some may argue there are better shortstops in the game, Lawlar brings that all-important blend of speed, defense, and contact. If you’re running XP missions and need to complete stolen base challenges or multi-hit games, Lawlar will help get it done efficiently. Plus, his smooth animations and positional flexibility allow him to be slotted in for multiple builds, especially when working on team affinity or division-specific goals.

On the offensive side, Dalton Rushing (C) is the best bang-for-your-buck catcher from the drop. His left-handed bat provides natural balance, and his power against right-handed pitching is extremely useful in ranked or Conquest grinding. Behind the plate, his reactions and arm strength are more than serviceable, and his defensive quirks rarely come into play negatively.

If you’re someone who focuses on pitching, Kumar Rocker is again a smart XP investment. He’s not necessarily a top 5 starter overall, but when it comes to completing missions or using specific team themes, Rocker is reliable and economical. His stamina allows for deeper starts in games like Mini Seasons, where you don’t want to burn bullpen arms.

Ultimately, if you’re selective about which Pipeline Past cards to grind, your team will benefit greatly. Several cards in this drop perform beyond their rating and offer flexibility, low cost, and synergy with various XP and mission goals. The key is choosing players that fill positional needs while performing consistently — and that’s exactly what Moore, Lawlar, Rushing, and Rocker provide.