When it comes to dominant pitchers in MLB The Show, very few can measure up to the towering presence of Randy Johnson. Known as "The Big Unit," Johnson's combination of blistering velocity, a funky delivery, and one of the nastiest sliders in baseball history has made him a perennial fan favorite in Diamond Dynasty. With every new release of the series, players eagerly anticipate when and how Johnson will make his debut. This year, in MLB The Show 25, the wait for his elite version is finally over.

 

San Diego Studio (SDS) recently confirmed that Johnson is among the most recent Weekend Classic rewards, and his new 99-rated card has all the makings of an endgame powerhouse. For Diamond Dynasty players who have been saving up their MLB 25 Stubs, this is the kind of card that makes every grind worthwhile.

 

Randy Johnson's Early MLB The Show 25 Appearances

 

Up until this announcement, Johnson had only appeared in two modest forms in MLB The Show 25. The first was a 79-rated Contributor card, given to players as part of the Seattle Mariners' Team Affinity program. While a fun nod to his early days, this card was more of a stepping stone than a long-term option.

 

The second was a 91-rated "2nd Half Heroes" version, which was significantly stronger. That card proved useful in Ranked modes thanks to its stamina, velocity, and ability to keep hitters off balance. Still, most fans of the game knew it wasn't the version of Johnson they were truly waiting for.

 

SDS tends to hold back its most iconic legends for the right moment, and now that moment has arrived.

 

A 99-Rated Legend Returns

 

Johnson's new 99 overall card is officially one of two Weekend Classic reward cards, a competitive event that returns tonight. While SDS hasn't yet revealed the second reward player, Randy's inclusion alone is enough to create a buzz across the Diamond Dynasty community.

 

The card itself celebrates Johnson's incredible 1995 campaign with the Seattle Mariners, a season that cemented his status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. That year, Johnson posted a sparkling 2.48 ERA, a WHIP of just 1.045, and a career-high 193 ERA+. His 2.08 FIP and 8.6 WAR underscored his dominance, ultimately leading him to the American League Cy Young Award.

 

For fans of both baseball history and the game itself, this is exactly the type of legendary season that deserves a 99-rated card.

 

Pitch Mix Speculation

 

One of the hottest debates among players has been about what kind of pitch mix SDS will give this version of Johnson. Historically, his repertoire in MLB The Show has included a blazing four-seam fastball, slider, slurve, splitter, and a two-seam fastball. Even without meta-favorite options like a sinker or cutter, Johnson's unique frame and sidearm release make him extraordinarily tough to face.

 

However, speculation suggests SDS could tweak his arsenal to make him even more lethal. If they replace the two-seamer with a sinker, Johnson could reach a new level of dominance in online play. Given his 6'10 height, long arms, and deceptive delivery, that additional pitch could make him virtually untouchable.

 

That said, Johnson is not without weaknesses. True to his real-life career, command will likely be an issue. Even in his Cy Young-winning years, walks were part of his game. This creates a natural balance, players using him will dominate if they can control his stuff, but poor pitch selection could still get them into trouble.

 

The Impact on Diamond Dynasty

 

The timing of this release is especially important. With the 7th Inning Program set to be revealed soon, Diamond Dynasty is about to enter its endgame phase. Players are preparing for the stretch run, where only the very best cards tend to make lineups. A 99-rated Randy Johnson easily fits that category.

 

For players investing their time, and their MLB The Show 25 Stubs, into building competitive rosters, this card is a must-have. Whether you're saving stubs to buy him off the marketplace or grinding Weekend Classic to earn him outright, Johnson will likely become one of the most expensive and in-demand pitchers in the game.

 

The introduction of this card also rebalances the pitching meta. While hitters have been thriving thanks to juiced bats and high-contact legends, Johnson provides a counterweight with his overpowering velocity and breaking stuff. In other words, games are about to get a lot tougher for those who aren't prepared.

 

Why This Matters for Players

 

Weekend Classic has always been one of Diamond Dynasty's most exciting events because it rewards skillful play with top-tier cards. Adding Randy Johnson into the mix raises the stakes even further. His presence as a reward means that every matchup in the event will feel meaningful, as players battle to earn one of the game's most iconic pitchers.

 

For casual players, this also creates an opportunity to cash in. Even if you don't manage to secure Johnson directly, earning stubs through play and trading on the market could eventually allow you to pick him up. In this sense, saving MLB 25 Stubs and using them wisely becomes more important than ever.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Randy Johnson's arrival as a 99-rated Weekend Classic reward in MLB The Show 25 is one of the most exciting developments of the year for Diamond Dynasty players. It combines baseball nostalgia with competitive gameplay, offering fans the chance to relive one of the greatest pitching seasons in MLB history.

 

Whether you're planning to grind the event, save up your MLB 25 Stubs, or make a big splash in the marketplace, one thing is clear: the Big Unit is back, and he's ready to dominate once again.