For fans of MLB The Show 25, few additions to Diamond Dynasty generate as much excitement as legendary pitchers, and John Donaldson is no exception. Known for his dominant arm, impressive pitch variety, and historical significance, Donaldson offers players a chance to anchor their rotation with a truly elite left-hander. Unlocking him, however, requires dedication, careful planning, and a keen understanding of MLB 25’s in-game systems, including programs, events, and the use of MLB The Show 25 Stubs.

Who Is John Donaldson?

John Donaldson isn’t just another card in Diamond Dynasty. He is a celebrated figure in baseball history, renowned for his pitching prowess during the early 20th century. Bringing Donaldson into your squad not only adds a high-performing left-hander to your rotation but also celebrates a piece of baseball lore, enhancing the overall experience of building a historically rich Diamond Dynasty team.

From a gameplay perspective, Donaldson is a game-changer. His fastball sits comfortably in the upper tiers of the velocity spectrum, complemented by a diverse arsenal of secondary pitches. With the right pitch selection and timing, he can dominate both CPU and human opponents, making him an indispensable asset in competitive modes.

Pathways to Unlocking Donaldson

Unlocking John Donaldson requires players to engage with MLB The Show 25’s robust content ecosystem. There are two primary methods: grinding programs and events or using MLB 25 Stubs to purchase the remaining components.

Grinding Programs and Storylines:
Programs are one of the most rewarding ways to earn unique players in Diamond Dynasty. Completing specific objectives, such as winning games, achieving milestones in at-bats, or excelling in pitching challenges, contributes toward player unlocks. For John Donaldson, this means completing a series of program tasks designed to reflect his historical achievements and performance metrics.

Players should approach these programs methodically. Break the objectives into manageable chunks and track progress regularly. Some programs may require multiple games or perfect performances, so persistence is key. Keep an eye on weekly challenges and limited-time events, as these often contribute toward program completion and can accelerate your path to Donaldson.

Using MLB 25 Stubs:
For those who prefer a more immediate approach, MLB 25 Stubs can be used to acquire missing program components or milestone rewards. While this method comes at a financial cost, it can save considerable time and effort, particularly if you’re aiming to incorporate Donaldson into your rotation quickly. Strategic use of Stubs-rather than indiscriminate spending-ensures you maximize value and avoid unnecessary purchases. For example, targeting the last few milestones or high-value components can be more efficient than buying everything outright.

Why Donaldson Is Worth the Grind

John Donaldson’s impact on Diamond Dynasty extends far beyond his historical appeal. From a gameplay standpoint, he offers:

Elite Pitch Variety: Donaldson’s pitch mix is versatile, allowing players to tailor sequences against specific batters. Fastballs, curves, sliders, and changeups combine to create a highly effective repertoire.

Control and Command: Unlike many high-velocity pitchers who sacrifice control, Donaldson maintains precision across the strike zone. This balance makes him reliable in tight matchups and high-pressure situations.

Long-Term Value: Completing the program for Donaldson is not just a one-off achievement. As MLB The Show 25 progresses, EA Sports often releases upgraded versions of previously unlocked players. Fans can anticipate a higher-rated Donaldson later in the season, offering another chance to acquire a card with enhanced stats and additional abilities.

Tips for Efficiently Unlocking Donaldson

Prioritize Program Objectives: Identify which objectives are the most time-consuming or challenging and tackle them first. Early progress provides momentum and can unlock rewards that make later objectives easier.

Leverage Weekly Events: MLB The Show 25 regularly rotates events that contribute to program progression. Participating actively in these can accelerate your path, and some events offer bonus XP or program points.

Monitor Stubs Balance: If you plan to use MLB 25 Stubs, track your spending carefully. Save Stubs for high-value items that directly contribute to unlocking Donaldson, rather than spreading them across minor purchases. This ensures maximum return on investment.

Use Multi-Game Strategies: For program objectives requiring wins, multiple games, or specific pitching feats, consider using modes that allow for efficient accumulation of stats, such as Conquest or Ranked Seasons. Combining objectives in one game session can save time and effort.

Stay Updated on Previews and Announcements: EA Sports frequently releases hints about upcoming player upgrades and new event opportunities. Keeping an eye on these announcements ensures you don’t miss any shortcut to unlocking Donaldson or acquiring his future higher-rated version.

Looking Ahead: Donaldson’s Evolution

One of the most exciting aspects of unlocking John Donaldson is the potential for future upgrades. EA Sports has a history of releasing higher-rated versions of existing program players, which means those who secure Donaldson early could later upgrade him to an even more dominant card. This adds long-term value and provides an incentive to continue engaging with Diamond Dynasty content.

Fans can anticipate incremental stat boosts, enhanced pitch ratings, or even additional signature abilities that further cement Donaldson’s place as a rotation anchor. This makes completing the current program not just an end in itself but a stepping stone toward future competitive dominance.

Conclusion

Unlocking John Donaldson in MLB The Show 25 is a challenge that combines strategy, persistence, and smart resource management. Whether you grind through every program objective or supplement progress with MLB 25 Stubs, the payoff is substantial. Donaldson offers elite pitching, versatility, and long-term potential, making him an essential asset for any Diamond Dynasty roster.

For players aiming to dominate the rotation, participate in high-level events, or simply build a historically rich team, John Donaldson represents both a reward and a challenge. Start tracking your objectives, plan your Stub spending wisely, and dive into MLB Stubs  the events-your path to pitching dominance in MLB The Show 25 begins now.