In MLB The Show 25, speed isn’t just a stat—it’s a game-changing weapon. Whether you’re playing Road to the Show, Franchise Mode, or competing in Diamond Dynasty, having a few lightning-fast players on your roster can create chaos on the basepaths, force throwing errors, and MLB The Show 25 Stubs stretch routine singles into doubles. Speed opens up bunting strategies, hit-and-run plays, and defensive shifts that pressure opponents in ways power hitters can’t. So who are the fastest players in MLB The Show 25? Let’s break down the top-tier burners and how they impact gameplay across various modes.
Why Speed Matters in The Show
Before diving into names, it’s important to understand how MLB The Show treats the speed attribute. Speed affects a player’s baserunning ability, stolen base potential, and fielding range (especially for outfielders). But speed alone isn’t everything. Acceleration, reaction time, and base running aggressiveness also play a role—but raw speed is the foundation. A 99 Speed rating means a player can cover ground faster than anyone else, and those players often define close games.
In MLB The Show 25, San Diego Studio has continued to make speed feel impactful. Stolen bases feel more dynamic, bunting with speedsters is more viable, and there are new animations for diving back to first or breaking on a steal. Let’s look at the fastest players in the game and what makes them so dangerous.
1. Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds) – 99 Speed
Elly De La Cruz returns as one of the most electrifying players in baseball—and he gets the top speed rating to match. At 6’5” with freakish athleticism, Elly can go from home to second in the blink of an eye. His 99 Speed rating, combined with above-average power and an elite arm, makes him a unicorn in The Show.
Why he’s a threat: In Diamond Dynasty and Franchise, De La Cruz is a switch-hitting shortstop who can also play outfield. That makes him one of the most versatile and explosive cards in the game. Expect many players to build their offense around his on-base chaos and fielding range.
2. Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – 98 Speed
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to develop into a superstar, and The Show 25 rewards him with elite speed ratings. His 98 Speed, paired with great hitting tools and athletic fielding, makes him a do-it-all player in any mode.
Game impact: Witt is perfect for Road to the Show and Franchise players who want to develop a team around young, dynamic talent. He can steal 50+ bags with ease and covers ground at short or third base like few others.
3. Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) – 97 Speed
Trea Turner remains a staple in the elite speed category. Even as he enters the later years of his prime, Turner’s wheels are still a key part of his identity. A 97 Speed rating paired with elite base-running IQ makes him one of the most effective base stealers in The Show.
Why he's clutch: Turner is especially useful in Diamond Dynasty thanks to his high Contact and Vision stats. He puts the ball in play consistently and can bunt for base hits. Few players can go first-to-home like Trea can.
4. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) – 94 Speed
While Acuña is better known for his power and arm strength, his underrated 94 Speed in The Show 25 makes him a threat every time he reaches base. He combines power-speed into one of the most dangerous offensive profiles in the game.
Use case: Acuña can lead off or hit in the heart of your lineup. His speed makes him a true 5-tool threat, and he’s an outfield anchor defensively. In Diamond Dynasty, his higher-tier cards often boost speed even more.
5. Esteury Ruiz (Oakland Athletics) – 99 Speed
Esteury Ruiz might not have the star power of others on this list, but he’s the prototypical speedster. With a perfect 99 Speed rating, Ruiz is one of the best pure baserunners in MLB The Show 25. He led the AL in stolen bases in 2023 and is dangerous even with below-average hitting.
Best strategy: Ruiz is a great late-inning pinch runner or bottom-of-the-order weapon. If you’re playing small-ball or need a stolen base in a clutch moment, he’s your guy.
6. Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks) – 96 Speed
The 2023 NL Rookie of the Year dazzled fans with his speed, and MLB The Show 25 doesn’t hold back. Carroll’s 96 Speed allows him to fly around the bases and patrol the outfield with ease.
Why players love him: Carroll has balanced hitting stats, great Contact vs. RHP, and his left-handed swing feels smooth and quick. He’s a popular pick for those who want speed and a high OBP threat.
7. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins) – 93 Speed
Jazz brings flair, swag, and serious speed to the game. With a 93 Speed rating and positional flexibility (2B/CF), he’s a popular choice for players who want style and substance.
Gameplay edge: Jazz’s aggressive playstyle and animations match his in-game performance. He’s an all-around threat and a fun addition to any Diamond Dynasty lineup.
8. Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox) – 95 Speed
Duran might fly under the radar for casual fans, but The Show gives him the respect he deserves. With a 95 Speed rating, he’s one of the fastest outfielders in the game.
Diamond Dynasty tip: Duran is a great budget card early in the season for players who can’t afford top-tier names but still want elite speed in the lineup.
Honorable Mentions
Jon Berti (Marlins) – Utility player with 95+ Speed
Victor Scott II (Cardinals) – Prospect with elite 99 Speed potential in Franchise Mode
CJ Abrams (Nationals) – Emerging young speedster with 92+ Speed
Kevin Kiermaier (Blue Jays) – Still a defensive wizard with mid-90s Speed
Final Thoughts: Building Around Speed
In MLB The Show 25, speed is more viable than ever. With improved baserunning animations, deeper bunt mechanics, and defensive AI that punishes lazy throws, having burners on your roster can turn the tide in any game mode.
Whether you want a team of cheap MLB The Show classic slap hitters or a mix of power and speed like Acuña or Carroll, you’ll find that speed still kills—and in this year’s game, it kills fast.