As the leaves turn and the MLB postseason ignites, MLB The Show 25 mirrors that October electricity with a pitching meta defined by control, deception, and ice-cold nerves under pressure. Whether you're chasing Diamond Dynasty glory, crushing Ranked Seasons, or prepping for the next Event grind, understanding which arms dominate the mound can make or break your season. This breakdown ranks the most impactful pitchers in the game as of October 2025, analyzing stamina balance, pitch mix depth, and MLB The Show 25 Stubs how PlayStyles+ abilities reshape the art of pitching.

The October Pitching Meta

MLB The Show 25's October patch has quietly shifted the meta toward pitchers who can balance high velocity with command precision. Stamina drains faster in longer Conquest games, and fatigue penalties for overusing starters in Ranked have made bullpen depth essential. PlayStyles+-particularly Filthy Pitch, Control Freak, and Velocity Boost-play a massive role in determining who belongs atop the tier list. Filthy Pitchers gain wicked break on offspeed pitches in two-strike counts, turning borderline whiffs into strikeouts, while Control Freaks carve up corners with laser precision.

Meanwhile, pitchers with slower windups or low deception ratings have fallen in effectiveness, especially against elite Diamond hitters who punish mistakes. This new balance has elevated adaptable arms with both velocity and breaking movement, creating a meta where pitch tunneling and mix variety matter more than ever.

S-Tier: The Mound Monarchs

1. Randy Johnson (99 OVR Signature Series)
Still the gold standard, Johnson's combination of elite velocity (102 mph fastball), devastating slider, and the Filthy Pitch+ PlayStyle makes him an absolute nightmare. Even months after launch, his towering release point and unique motion keep batters guessing. His stamina allows him to complete games even in high-stress Conquest and Ranked modes. Few pitchers maintain dominance like the Big Unit.

2. Pedro Martinez (99 OVR Retro Finest)
Pedro's pinpoint control and vicious changeup embody postseason perfection. His Control Freak+ PlayStyle gives him pinpoint accuracy, while his curveball and cutter combo make him unpredictable. He thrives in Ranked because he can mix locations and induce weak contact with ease, keeping power hitters off balance.

3. Shohei Ohtani (MVP Edition, 98 OVR)
Ohtani's two-way ability makes him a Diamond Dynasty staple. With Velocity Boost+ and a four-seam fastball that touches triple digits, he dominates in clutch moments. His slider and splitter pair beautifully for strikeouts, and his stamina allows him to double as a late-game reliever if you manage his energy carefully. Ohtani remains a must-own card for players seeking both star power and utility.

A-Tier: Postseason Powerhouses

1. Gerrit Cole (Live Series, boosted to 96 OVR)
Cole's real-life postseason form earned him a digital boost. His fastball-slider combo remains elite, but it's his refined control-especially when working up in the zone-that elevates him. The Strikeout Artist PlayStyle triggers more swing-and-miss opportunities in key situations, making him a top-tier rotation anchor.

2. Jacob deGrom (Awards Flashback, 97 OVR)
When healthy, deGrom is unstoppable. His fastball velocity rivals Ohtani's, and his slider tunnels so effectively that even experienced hitters struggle. Though his stamina is slightly lower than Johnson's or Pedro's, he's a perfect pick for shorter Ranked games or Events.

3. Mariano Rivera (99 OVR Signature)
Still the ultimate closer, Rivera's cutter remains the most iconic pitch in The Show. His Clutch Performer PlayStyle enhances pitch accuracy in late innings, making him a shutdown option when the game's on the line. With his impeccable control and late movement, Rivera anchors the bullpen like few others can.

B-Tier: Reliable Rotation Staples

1. Max Scherzer (Hall of Fame Edition, 95 OVR)
Scherzer's intensity translates perfectly into The Show 25. While his velocity has dipped slightly, his mental toughness and ability to mix fastball-slider-changeup sequences make him a consistent mid-rotation workhorse. He's ideal for players who favor precision over pure power.

2. Sandy Alcantara (Live Series, 94 OVR)
Alcantara thrives in longer Conquest runs. His high stamina rating allows complete-game efficiency, and his sinker-changeup combo is deadly against aggressive hitters. Though he lacks a dominant four-seamer, his Groundball Machine PlayStyle helps keep the ball in play and limit damage.

3. Josh Hader (95 OVR All-Star)
Lefty relievers are vital, and Hader delivers. His slider-fastball combination and Filthy Pitch+ boost make him tough on left-handed batters, especially when used in tandem with Rivera. His delivery adds deception, making him a smart bullpen choice when you need a strikeout under pressure.

C-Tier: Situational Specialists

1. Clayton Kershaw (Milestone, 92 OVR)
Kershaw's age shows in The Show 25. While his sweeping curveball remains effective, velocity loss hurts his competitiveness in Ranked. He's still viable in Event formats or theme teams, especially with his Curve Command PlayStyle, but struggles against power-heavy lineups.

2. Logan Webb (Live Series, 91 OVR)
A dependable groundball pitcher, Webb lacks overpowering stuff but thrives with pitch efficiency. His sinker-slider combo generates double plays in Conquest missions but falters in online modes where hitters are more patient.

3. Devin Williams (90 OVR Breakout)
The "Airbender" changeup still dazzles, but command issues prevent Williams from reaching top-tier status. He's excellent in middle relief or as a setup man, though his Filthy Pitch ability occasionally compensates for poor control.

Building the Perfect Staff

Constructing a dominant rotation in MLB The Show 25 isn't just about acquiring 99s. The key lies in synergy-balancing stamina, velocity, and pitch variety. A rotation featuring Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Shohei Ohtani covers every matchup: overpowering lefties, deceptive righties, and unpredictable offspeed sequencing. In the bullpen, pair Mariano Rivera with Josh Hader and Devin Williams to maximize matchup advantages.

Don't underestimate fatigue management either. With Ranked Seasons emphasizing stamina retention, alternating between high-velocity arms and finesse pitchers keeps your bullpen fresh. Similarly, focusing on PlayStyles that complement your playstyle-Control Freak for corner snipers, Filthy Pitch for chase-inducers-creates a well-rounded staff ready for October battles.

Final Thoughts

The October 2025 MLB The Show 25 pitching landscape rewards adaptability, intelligence, and control under pressure. With postseason intensity baked into Diamond Dynasty's latest updates, these pitchers stand out as the true mound masters. Whether you're grinding Ranked, finishing programs, or chasing World Series status, stacking your rotation with the buy MLB 25 Stubs right mix of fireballers and tacticians will be your ticket to glory.

The best hitters may grab the headlines-but in October, it's always the arms that make history.