MLB The Show 25 has quickly become a proving ground for elite roster construction. With more legends, faster gameplay, and tighter PCI windows, building a true “God Squad” is no longer just about stacking overalls—it’s about swing feel, quirks, pitch tunneling, and confidence. One of the most interesting ways to evaluate the meta is by borrowing a lineup from someone who’s already found success and seeing whether it performs the same in a different player’s hands.

That’s exactly what this experiment set out to do.

Instead of theorycrafting or tweaking endlessly in the lineup screen, the goal was simple: copy Kyle’s God Squad exactly, take it into Ranked play, and see if it could dominate the way it did for him. No excuses, no substitutions, no safety net—just pure execution. What followed was a revealing look at how MLB 25 Stubs rewards aggression, punishes hesitation, and still leaves room for personal preference even at the highest tier of play.

Breaking Down the God Squad Lineup

At first glance, this lineup is absolutely loaded. It blends meta favorites with a few eyebrow-raising choices that immediately spark debate.

In center field, Mickey Mantle anchors the outfield as expected. Mantle remains one of the most complete players in MLB The Show 25—elite speed, elite defense, and a switch-hitting swing that feels smooth from both sides of the plate. He’s the kind of card that makes mistakes disappear, whether it’s tracking down a gapper or turning on an inside fastball.

Right field belongs to Carlos, and it didn’t take long to see why. His swing is lightning quick, perfectly suited for punishing mistakes at the top of the zone. While some players prioritize raw power in the corners, Carlos offers that balance of contact and pop that keeps pressure on pitchers every at-bat.

First base is where things get interesting. Ben Zobrist over Lou Gehrig is a choice that feels almost sacrilegious to some players. Lou is widely regarded as one of the best pure first basemen in the game. But Zobrist brings versatility, a compact swing, and sneaky power that plays well in high-velocity environments. This choice immediately signals that Kyle values swing feel and adaptability over pure attributes.

At second base, Ketel Marte is a universally praised pick. His swing is one of the most reliable in MLB25, especially against right-handed pitching. He thrives in clutch situations, and as the games showed, he’s more than capable of delivering with runners on base.

Behind the plate is “Dumpy,” a fan-favorite nickname for one of the most absurdly effective hitters in the game. Dumpy’s presence at catcher brings unexpected speed, surprising power, and a swing that produces consistent line drives. In a game where catcher offense often lags behind, this is a massive advantage.

Designated hitter duties go to Trea Turner, which initially comes as a surprise. Many players prefer Turner at shortstop or second base to fully utilize his speed and defense. But as a DH, his elite swing and base-running ability still shine. There’s something undeniably satisfying about Turner’s timing window—it just works.

Third base is perhaps the most controversial spot: José Ramírez over Chipper Jones. Chipper is often considered the best switch-hitting third baseman in MLB The Show history. Yet José’s swing is butter-smooth, especially inside the ball. In high-pressure games, that quick bat path can be the difference between a jammed pop-up and a no-doubt home run.

Shortstop is non-negotiable: Elly De La Cruz. He is, quite simply, the best shortstop in the game. Elite speed, cannon arm, massive power, and ridiculous defensive range. Elly doesn’t just fill a position—he changes the entire dynamic of the field.

Left field rounds out with Ian Happ, a quietly elite card who does everything well. He may not grab headlines, but he produces, and that consistency is invaluable in Ranked Seasons.

A Bench Built for Situational Chaos

The bench complements the starting lineup perfectly. Francisco Lindor provides switch-hitting flexibility and elite defense if needed. Bo Bichette brings pure hitting ability. Schwarber is the nuclear option late in games, capable of changing everything with one swing. Chipper Jones, notably, still lurks here—ready to be unleashed when the moment demands it.

This is a bench designed not just for emergencies, but for psychological warfare. Every pinch-hit option forces the opponent to rethink their bullpen decisions.

Pitching Staff: Power, Precision, and Debate

The starting rotation is stacked, though not without controversy.

Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson are expected mainstays. Clemens brings raw velocity and nasty movement, while Randy’s presence alone can mess with an opponent’s timing. Interestingly, while Randy dominates many players, he can feel awkward to control depending on pitching style. That tension alone makes him fascinating to use.

John Donaldson adds another layer of deception, while Shi provides consistency. The real surprise, though, is Clayton Kershaw.

There’s an argument that Kershaw’s attributes lag behind newer cards. But anyone who played MLB The Show earlier in the cycle remembers how absolutely dominant he once was. The question wasn’t whether Kershaw used to be elite—it was whether he still had it.

The bullpen raises even more eyebrows. Yamamoto appears, despite many players preferring other options. Darren O’Day offers a funky arm slot that disrupts timing. Josh Hader and Aroldis Chapman bring velocity from the left side, while Bautista and Kenley Jansen handle high-leverage moments. Kenley, in particular, is a polarizing choice—dominant for some, unreliable for others.

This bullpen isn’t just about raw stats; it’s about rhythm and comfort.

Game One: Immediate Fireworks

The first real test came quickly. Facing Ted Williams—a rare sight in modern lineups—the pressure was on from pitch one. And sure enough, a home run was surrendered early, almost fittingly. That’s baseball.

But then Kershaw showed flashes of his former self. Fastballs at the top of the zone hummed. The PCI felt large. Timing windows felt forgiving. Maybe—just maybe—he still belongs.

The offense responded in kind. Carlos launched a solo shot to put the squad on the board. Dumpy followed with speed and contact, setting the stage for Ketel Marte to drive in runs. A two-out rally ballooned into a three-run lead, showcasing exactly why this lineup works.

The opponent quit shortly after. A familiar MLB The Show experience.

Game Two: Adjustments and Execution

Game two offered more resistance. Elly’s defense erased potential hits. Pitching required adjustments, especially against tricky changeups. Chris Sale proved difficult, forcing patience and discipline.

But good swings eventually found grass. Walks turned into bloop hits. Pressure mounted. That’s the beauty of a God Squad—not every hit has to be perfect, cheap MLB The Show 25 Stubs. Sometimes, it’s about forcing the opponent to crack.

What This Experiment Proved

Testing someone else’s God Squad reveals an important truth about MLB The Show 25: the meta is real, but comfort matters more.

This lineup works not just because of attributes, but because every card has a purpose. Every swing feels intentional. Every pitcher brings a different look. Even controversial choices like Ben Zobrist or José Ramírez make sense when viewed through the lens of execution.

Kershaw may not be the undisputed ace he once was, but he’s far from obsolete. Kenley may not top every tier list, but in the right hands, he still closes games. And Elly De La Cruz? He’s untouchable.

In the end, this God Squad absolutely dominated—not because it was copied, but because it was trusted. MLB The Show 25 rewards confidence as much as skill, and when a lineup feels right, the results follow.

Sometimes, the best way to improve isn’t to reinvent your team—it’s to step into someone else’s vision and see the game from their perspective.