With MLB The Show 25 continuing to evolve the beloved baseball simulation franchise, one of the most anticipated aspects each year is the addition of new Legends to the Diamond Dynasty mode. From Hall of Fame pitchers to fan-favorite sluggers, Legends bring a deep sense of nostalgia and offer unique gameplay opportunities for MLB The Show 25 Stubs players to build their ultimate teams.
While The Show already features a strong roster of Legends like Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr., and Randy Johnson, there are still many iconic players missing from the game. This wishlist highlights some of the most requested and fitting additions that would make MLB The Show 25 a dream experience for baseball fans and Diamond Dynasty grinders alike.
1. Ichiro Suzuki (RF, Seattle Mariners)
Few players in modern MLB history have captured the imagination of fans quite like Ichiro Suzuki. The Japanese legend combined elite contact hitting, speed, and a cannon of an arm in right field. His rookie year in 2001 saw him win both AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP—an unprecedented feat.
In Diamond Dynasty, Ichiro would thrive in contact and speed-based lineups. With blazing speed on the basepaths and nearly perfect contact ratings, he would be an ideal leadoff hitter. His return is long overdue, and licensing with Nippon Professional Baseball players has been steadily expanding, making him a more realistic inclusion.
2. Roger Clemens (SP, Boston Red Sox / New York Yankees / Houston Astros)
One of the greatest pitchers of all time, Roger Clemens' absence from the series has been glaring for years. With seven Cy Young Awards and over 4,600 strikeouts, “The Rocket” was a dominant force in every era he pitched in.
In Diamond Dynasty, Clemens would immediately compete with Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez as one of the top right-handed starting pitchers. His fastball-slider-splitter combo would torment hitters, especially if SDS (San Diego Studio) accurately reflects his deceptive delivery and pinpoint command.
3. Barry Bonds (LF, Pittsburgh Pirates / San Francisco Giants)
Arguably the most controversial and dominant hitter in MLB history, Barry Bonds is the white whale of MLB The Show. With 762 career home runs, a record-breaking 73 in one season, and unmatched walk rates, Bonds' numbers are legendary.
In Diamond Dynasty, Bonds would be a cheat code. Expect nearly maxed-out power, elite plate discipline, and solid fielding stats. While his inclusion remains a long shot due to licensing and MLBPA issues, he remains at the top of most players’ wishlist.
4. Joe DiMaggio (CF, New York Yankees)
Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak remains one of the most unbreakable records in all of sports. A graceful fielder and consistent bat, DiMaggio was the centerpiece of the Yankees’ dynasties during the 1930s and 1940s.
He would serve as an elite all-around centerfielder in Diamond Dynasty, blending contact, power, and fielding with solid speed. His iconic swing and Yankee legacy make him a natural fit for the Legends roster in The Show 25.
5. Josh Gibson (C, Negro Leagues)
Following the addition of Negro League content in MLB The Show 23 and 24, Josh Gibson is a natural next step. Often referred to as the greatest power hitter in Negro League history, Gibson was a prolific slugger who reportedly hit nearly 800 home runs during his career.
In Diamond Dynasty, Gibson would become one of the best offensive catchers in the game, rivaling even Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza. Including Gibson would also further San Diego Studio’s commitment to honoring baseball’s complete history.
6. Bo Jackson (OF, Kansas City Royals)
Bo Jackson is a cultural icon and the ultimate “what if” athlete. His legendary arm, lightning speed, and jaw-dropping power were evident in his short but electrifying baseball career.
In Diamond Dynasty, Jackson would offer unique value as a five-tool player. High-speed and power ratings would make him a game-changing presence both offensively and defensively. He’d also be one of the most fun Legends to use due to his athleticism and throwback status.
7. Dwight “Doc” Gooden (SP, New York Mets)
The mid-80s saw Dwight Gooden take the league by storm. As a 20-year-old in 1985, Gooden posted a 1.53 ERA and struck out 268 batters, winning the Cy Young Award. His dominance and electric fastball-curveball combo would translate beautifully into MLB The Show 25.
As a right-handed starter, he’d offer a unique mix of velocity, movement, and youth, giving players another vintage option for their all-time rotations.
8. Manny Ramirez (LF, Cleveland Indians / Boston Red Sox)
Manny being Manny. One of the most feared right-handed hitters of his generation, Ramirez brought flair, power, and postseason heroics to every team he played for. With a .312 lifetime average and 555 home runs, he’s overdue for inclusion in The Show.
In Diamond Dynasty, Manny would be an offensive juggernaut with maxed power and elite clutch ratings. Though his defense was often suspect, he’d be perfect for players willing to sacrifice glove for bat.
9. Curt Schilling (SP, Philadelphia Phillies / Arizona Diamondbacks / Boston Red Sox)
Known for his postseason dominance and bloody sock performance in 2004, Curt Schilling’s career includes over 3,000 strikeouts and multiple World Series titles. His intensity and command would translate well into the digital diamond.
A right-hander with nasty splitters and pinpoint control, Schilling would be a fun addition for players who value strategy and deception over raw velocity.
10. Mark McGwire (1B, Oakland Athletics / St. Louis Cardinals)
Another controversial figure, McGwire’s home run prowess captivated fans during the late 90s. With 583 career dingers and the 70-HR season in 1998, “Big Mac” was a power-hitting icon.
In Diamond Dynasty, he’d serve as a right-handed counterpart to lefty sluggers like David Ortiz, providing elite power with a big strike zone. His inclusion would complete the long-missing Bonds-Sosa-McGwire triangle in the Legends pool.
Conclusion
While licensing limitations may prevent all of these legends from appearing in MLB The Show 25, the community's desire to see these icons represented remains strong. Whether through special Diamond Dynasty programs, collection rewards, or conquest rewards, adding new Legends always enhances the game’s depth, diversity, and excitement.
If San Diego Studio can bring even a few of these names to life, The Show 25 could go down as the most memorable installment yet—not just for gameplay, but for MLB 25 Stubs its reverence of baseball history.