If you’re grinding Ranked Seasons in MLB The Show 25, then you know how crucial it is to have reliable arms on the mound—especially in high-pressure moments. Whether you’re closing out a tense ninth or trying to escape a bases-loaded jam, having clutch pitchers in your rotation and bullpen can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down 17 of the most clutch-performing pitchers in the game that can help you secure wins faster and climb the ranked ladder efficiently.
1. Mariano Rivera (Core Series)A legend for a reason. Rivera thrives in save situations and high-stress innings thanks to his elite control and devastating cutter. Perfect for late-game pressure.
2. Shohei Ohtani (Live Series)Ohtani’s two-way ability brings unique value. His clutch stat spikes with runners on base, and he can turn the tide both on the mound and at the plate.
3. Chris Martin (2024 Postseason)An underrated bullpen option, Martin has great control and movement. He’s especially effective when you need someone to stop the bleeding in middle innings.
4. Emmanuel Clase (Live Series)Clase’s triple-digit cutter and slider combo makes him a lockdown option in any tight situation. He’s perfect for Ranked matches where one pitch can decide the outcome.
5. John Smoltz (Legends Series)A big-game pitcher in real life, Smoltz carries his clutch DNA into MLB The Show 25. His stamina and pitch mix make him a viable starter or long reliever.
6. Felix Bautista (Live Series)Bautista’s high K/9 and excellent clutch rating make him one of the most feared closers in the game. He shines with the game on the line.
7. Zack Wheeler (Live Series)Wheeler has a strong pitch arsenal and is especially effective after the fifth inning. His clutch rating rises in late-game pressure.
8. David Bednar (All-Star Series)Another solid bullpen arm, Bednar has a good combination of control, velocity, and a high clutch rating that helps him dominate with runners on.
9. Max Scherzer (Legends Series)Scherzer brings fierce competitiveness and elite control, ideal for late innings when you can’t afford to give up a walk or leave a pitch hanging.
10. Josh Hader (Live Series)Hader’s funky arm slot and slider-fastball combo work wonders in high-leverage situations. He thrives in save chances with high clutch and K attributes.
11. Corbin Burnes (Live Series)Burnes’ cutter-sinker-slider combination is deadly. His clutch performance boosts dramatically with runners in scoring position.
12. Kenley Jansen (Legends Series)A bullpen veteran, Jansen remains one of the best clutch relievers with his signature cutter and consistent strike-throwing ability.
13. Kevin Gausman (Live Series)Gausman’s splitter works wonders in tight spots. His ability to induce double plays makes him valuable with traffic on the bases.
14. Blake Treinen (Core Series)His movement-heavy pitches and high clutch stat make him a fantastic option to get out of late-inning jams.
15. Devin Williams (Live Series)Williams’ “Airbender” changeup is one of the most effective strikeout pitches in the game. He dominates in clutch matchups, especially against lefties.
16. Yu Darvish (Legends Series)Darvish’s deep pitch mix and cerebral approach make him excellent in tough matchups. He’s ideal for mid-to-late innings when hitters are adjusting.
17. Ryan Helsley (Live Series)With elite velocity and a fastball-slider combo, Helsley has one of the highest clutch ratings among current closers. He’s reliable when games are on the line.

Building a Clutch Rotation and BullpenWhen assembling your Ranked team, mix and match starters and relievers who can handle high-pressure innings. Prioritize pitchers with high clutch ratings, strong control, and a reliable out pitch. Also, consider stamina for long relievers and swingmen who may be needed in extra innings or if your starter struggles early.
Why Stubs Matter for Your Pitching ArsenalTo build a dominant pitching staff, you’ll need access to some of the top-tier cards in Diamond Dynasty. That’s where earning or purchasing stubs becomes essential. Whether you're grinding Moments, flipping on the market, or looking to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs directly, having a healthy stash of stubs allows you to pick up elite pitchers quickly.
If you're playing on console, you might notice that MLB 25 stubs Xbox pricing can vary slightly, so always check in-game and compare values before making a move.

Trustworthy Stub SourcesIf you're not into grinding endlessly, platforms like U4N offer a faster way to stock up on stubs. It’s a go-to for many in the community who prefer to save time and build their rosters without waiting days for market flips to cash out. Just remember to always check delivery times and user reviews.

Having a clutch pitcher on the mound in a Ranked match can be the difference between a rage-quit win or a heartbreaking loss. Use these 17 arms to boost your win rate and get closer to World Series. And remember, staying ahead in MLB The Show 25 isn't just about reactions—it's about preparation.