Building a World Baseball Classic Dream Team in MLB The Show 25

MLB The Show 25 continues to blur the line between simulation and spectacle, giving players the tools to recreate baseball’s biggest moments while experimenting with dream scenarios that would be impossible in real life. One of the most exciting ways to experience the game this year is by diving into World Baseball Classic–style matchups, assembling national teams stacked with elite talent, and testing how star-studded rosters translate to on-field performance. Using the WBC team in MLB The Show 25 Stubs offers a unique challenge: limited roster information, imperfect balance, and a heavy reliance on highly touted stars to carry the load.

Even without a fully confirmed player list, the available talent is more than enough to put together a competitive squad and jump straight into meaningful gameplay. This WBC lineup may not be perfectly optimized, but it’s overflowing with upside, star power, and raw excitement—exactly what makes MLB The Show 25 such a compelling experience.

A Lineup Built on Star Power

One of the defining traits of this WBC roster is just how recognizable the names are. MLB The Show 25 thrives when elite players are on the field, and this lineup reads like a highlight reel waiting to happen. The team is filled with highly touted talents—players who not only dominate stat sheets but also bring unique animations, swings, and defensive reactions that elevate gameplay.

Cal Raleigh anchors the lineup with his combination of power and durability. As a catcher, his presence provides stability behind the plate while also offering legitimate home run potential. In MLB The Show 25, having a catcher who can hit is invaluable, especially in tight games where every run matters.

Gunnar Henderson is another cornerstone. His versatility, smooth swing, and defensive reliability make him one of the most dangerous players in the game. Henderson thrives in clutch situations, and his ability to spray the ball to all fields fits perfectly in a WBC environment where pitching quality can vary wildly from inning to inning.

Corbin Carroll brings speed, energy, and explosiveness to the lineup. In MLB The Show 25, Carroll is a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to turn routine singles into doubles—or doubles into triples—forces opponents to play cautiously. His speed also makes him an elite option for manufacturing runs, stealing bases, and applying constant pressure.

The Left-Handed Dilemma

Despite all its strengths, this WBC lineup does come with a noticeable flaw: an abundance of left-handed hitters. While lefties can absolutely dominate in MLB The Show 25, stacking too many of them can make the lineup vulnerable against strong left-handed pitching.

This issue becomes especially apparent when deciding who makes the final cut. Kyle Schwarber, one of the most obvious candidates for the designated hitter role, ends up being left out—not due to a lack of talent, but because the lineup simply can’t afford another left-handed bat. It’s a tough decision, but one rooted in strategic balance rather than star favoritism.

Instead, Will Smith takes on the DH role. Smith offers a more balanced approach, providing power without further skewing the lineup’s handedness. In MLB The Show 25, lineup construction matters more than ever, and this choice reflects a deeper understanding of matchup dynamics rather than simply stacking the biggest names.

Flexibility Over Perfection

What makes this WBC team so interesting isn’t just who’s included—it’s how the roster reflects the realities of international play. Unlike franchise mode or Diamond Dynasty, you’re not working with unlimited options. You take what’s available, adjust on the fly, and trust your stars to perform.

This imperfect balance adds an extra layer of immersion. MLB The Show 25 rewards adaptability, and using a roster that isn’t perfectly optimized forces players to think more creatively at the plate. You’re not just waiting for home runs—you’re stringing together hits, exploiting speed, and capitalizing on defensive mistakes.

A Starting Rotation with Serious Firepower

Pitching often decides games in MLB The Show 25, and this WBC team boasts a starting rotation capable of shutting down even the most aggressive offenses.

Paul Skenes leads the rotation with overpowering velocity and elite strikeout potential. His fastball explodes out of his hand, and when paired with sharp secondary pitches, he becomes nearly unhittable in the right hands. Skenes is the type of pitcher who can completely swing momentum with a single dominant outing.

Joe Ryan provides a different look, relying more on precision and pitch sequencing. His ability to change speeds keeps hitters off balance, making him especially effective against aggressive lineups. In MLB The Show 25, pitchers like Ryan shine when players trust movement and control over pure velocity.

Logan Webb brings consistency and ground-ball dominance. He’s the type of starter you rely on when you need stability. Webb may not rack up strikeouts at the same rate as others, but he limits damage, induces weak contact, and keeps games manageable.

Clay Holmes adds a unique dynamic with his heavy sinker and movement-based approach. Facing Holmes can be frustrating for opponents, as balls that look hittable suddenly dive out of the zone. He’s a valuable piece in both starting and relief scenarios, depending on how games unfold.

Nolan McLean rounds out the rotation as a wildcard option. While he may not carry the same reputation as the others, his inclusion highlights the depth of the roster and the willingness to experiment. In MLB The Show 25, unexpected performances often become the most memorable moments.

A Thin but Dangerous Bullpen

If there’s one area where this WBC roster truly feels limited, it’s the bullpen. As of now, only two relievers are listed: Mason Miller and David Bednar. While the lack of depth is concerning, the quality of these two arms cannot be overstated.

Mason Miller is pure electricity. His fastball velocity is among the most intimidating in the game, and when he’s locked in, hitters have almost no margin for error. In late-inning situations, Miller can slam the door with sheer dominance.

David Bednar offers a more controlled but equally effective approach. His pitch mix and calm demeanor make him an ideal closer when protecting slim leads. In MLB The Show 25, Bednar excels at forcing weak contact and inducing ground balls when strikeouts aren’t necessary.

The challenge, of course, is stamina. With such a thin bullpen, every decision matters. You can’t afford to waste pitches or extend relievers unnecessarily. This adds tension to every close game and forces smarter bullpen management.

Gameplay Strategy: Just Go Hit Baseballs

At the heart of this WBC experience is a simple philosophy: go hit some baseballs. With a lineup full of elite hitters and a rotation capable of holding leads, the focus shifts to execution rather than overthinking.

MLB The Show 25 rewards players who trust their instincts at the plate. Aggressive early swings, smart baserunning, and situational awareness all play critical roles. With so many left-handed hitters, learning how to adjust against tough matchups becomes part of the fun rather than a limitation.

Defensively, the team’s athleticism helps cover mistakes. Speed in the outfield, strong arms, and reliable infield play give you the confidence to play aggressively without constantly fearing punishment.

Why This WBC Team Works in MLB The Show 25

This WBC roster embodies what makes MLB The Show 25 special. It’s not about perfection—it’s about possibility. The combination of highly touted stars, strategic compromises, and limited resources creates a gameplay experience that feels authentic and exciting.

Every game feels like a statement. Every hit carries weight. Every pitching change feels consequential. Whether you’re chasing a narrow win or blowing a game wide open, the roster keeps you engaged from first pitch to final out buy MLB 25 Stubs.

In the end, the goal isn’t just to win—it’s to experience baseball at its most thrilling. And with this WBC team in MLB The Show 25, you’re doing exactly that. You’re stepping onto the field with elite talent, embracing imperfections, and letting the game unfold one swing at a time.

So load up the roster, take the field, and do what this team was built to do: hit some baseballs and chase the win.