Earning rewards in the 8th Inning Program is fun but also requires strategy. Getting from the starting XP thresholds up to the highest points takes work. Here is how to move mlb the show 25 stubsefficiently through the program and make maximal progress.

First, understand how XP is earned. XP comes from playing Diamond Dynasty modes and also from non‑DD modes where applicable. Game performance, completing drop missions, hitting moments like strikeouts, stolen bases, RBIs, etc., all contribute. On the program release date, several drop missions were added (for example 5 stolen bases, 45 strikeouts, and 131 RBIs), each giving thousands of XP. These mission events are big boosters, especially early in the program.

Second, take advantage of collections and exchanges. If you completed all three 7th Inning Bosses in the prior program, you can complete a “collection” to lock in a bonus XP reward of 50,000 XP toward the 8th Inning. This helps give a jumpstart for players who already invested in previous content. Also, cards that you have in your inventory but do not need can be “exchanged” for XP. The program offers exchanges by tiers: some cards when traded in give 5,000 XP, others more depending on their value; this allows players to convert duplicates or surplus cards into program progress.

Third, focus on weekly or drop‑style missions that give large XP rewards. Playing modes that you are good at helps here. If you can reliably perform well in missions requiring many strikeouts or lots of RBIs, lean into those. Prioritize missions when they drop, because these events often offer XP well beyond what normal gameplay does.

Fourth, manage your play time towards hitting the important thresholds. Because the XP needed climbs steeply toward the end, pacing with smaller goals (getting to mid‑level rewards first) helps avoid burn‑out. If you only play when powerful rewards are just ahead, you may find the time required to reach them becomes too large. Instead, steadily build up your XP early so that you're well positioned for mid to late rewards when they unlock.

Fifth, balance the modes you play. Some modes may yield more XP per time invested or are more reliable. For example, using Diamond Dynasty missions, weekly or drop missions, and even head to head or online matches if you are effective there. Running multiple modes lets you avoid fatigue and also adapt according to how you're feeling or what time you have. If you struggle in online or more competitive modes, then using CPU matchups, moments, or missions that favor your strengths can help.

Finally, keep track of deadlines. The 8th Inning Program ends on October 3. This gives only about three weeks of active period. Many of the highest XP thresholds are near the end of that timeframe. If you fall behind, catching up can be difficult without investing large blocks of time. It helps to plan when to grind heavily, such as over weekends or during in‑game events, to make large XP gains when multipliers or missions are most generous.

If you follow these steps—using drop missions, exchanges, collections, consistent play—you can maximize your chances of getting high‑value rewards. Even if you cannot collect every boss card, you will likely end up with several strong player cards, packs, and cosmetic items that enhance your Diamond Dynasty experience.