Best cards in MLB The Show 23 Diamond Dynasty (September 2023)

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Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians

Set 4 is now live in MLB The Show 23, and that means the retirement of Set 2 in Diamond Dynasty. That, coupled with new cards, has changed the meta significantly. But, which cards right now are the ones to own? Here’s a look at our picks for the best cards in Diamond Dynasty, sorted by position.

Related: Best budget Diamond Dynasty cards in MLB The Show 23

Best infielders

Let’s start off with the infielders and catchers.

C

  1. 2023 All-Star Game Adley Rutschman (99 OVR)
  2. All-Star Game Mike Piazza (99 OVR)
  3. 2023 All-Star Game Sean Murphy (99 OVR)
  4. Snapshot Series Gary Carter (99 OVR)
  5. 2023 All-Star Game Will Smith (99 OVR)

1B

  1. Home Run Derby Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (99 OVR)
  2. Home Run Derby Justin Morneau (99 OVR)
  3. 2023 All-Star Game Yandy Diaz (99 OVR)
  4. Milestone Jimmie Foxx (99 OVR)
  5. Jin Kim Series Buck O’Neil (99 OVR)

2B

Ketel Marte from New Baseball Media
  1. All-Star Game Ketel Marte (99 OVR)
  2. All-Star Game Javier Baez (99 OVR)
  3. 2023 All-Star Game Luis Arraez (99 OVR)
  4. Milestone Craig Biggio (99 OVR)
  5. 2023 All-Star Game Marcus Semien (99 OVR)

3B

  1. 2023 All-Star Game Jose Ramirez (99 OVR)
  2. awards Rafael Devers (99 OVR)
  3. 2023 All-Star Game Austin Riley (99 OVR)
  4. Snapshot Series Manny Machado (99 OVR)
  5. Home Run Derby Miguel Sano (99 OVR)

SS

  1. Milestone Elly De La Cruz (99 OVR)
  2. 2023 All-Star Game Bo Bichette (99 OVR)
  3. Jin Kim Series Jackie Robinson (99 OVR)
  4. Signature Derek Jeter (99 OVR)*
  5. Milestone Michael Young (99 OVR)

Set 3 and the Team Affinity 3 collection rewards continue to top the infield list. Jose Ramirez and Adley Rutschman remain the top options at both third and catcher, respectively.

Those who complete the Extreme Program can come away with a number of notable rewards, including 2B Ketel Marte.

Best outfielders

Let’s move on to the outfielders.

LF

  1. 2023 All-Star Game Juan Soto (99 OVR)
  2. Home Run Derby Kyle Schwarber (99 OVR)
  3. Snapshot Series Rickey Henderson (99 OVR)
  4. Home Run Derby Randy Arozarena (99 OVR)
  5. 2023 All-Star Game Corbin Carroll (99 OVR)

CF

Ken Griffey Jr. from Extreme Program
  1. All-Star Game Ken Griffey Jr. (99 OVR)*
  2. Milestone Mike Trout (99 OVR)
  3. August MA Lightning Julio Rodriguez (99 OVR)
  4. July MA Lightning Cody Bellinger (99 OVR)
  5. Home Run Derby Flashback Joc Pederson (99 OVR)

RF

99 OVR Mookie Betts in MLB The Show 23
  1. Snapshot Series Mookie Betts (99 OVR)
  2. 2023 All-Star Game Ronald Acuna Jr. (99 OVR)
  3. Snapshot Series Charlie Blackmon (99 OVR)
  4. 2023 All-Star Game Nick Castellanos (99 OVR)
  5. 2023 All-Star Game Kyle Tucker (99 OVR)

Realistically, one could fortify the outfield with just three center fielders. Both Griffey Jr. and Trout are among the best players in the game right now, and the only flaw in Joc Pederson’s game is his speed at center. And for those players on a budget, both the July Lightning Cody Bellinger and August Lightning Julio Rodriguez are cost-effective options.

Looking ahead to November and beyond, make sure to do the Set 4 and Team Affinity 4 collections. Mookie Betts and Charlie Blackmon are both elite options.

Best pitchers

Lastly, let’s take a look at the relievers and starters.

SP

99 OVR Nolan Ryan in MLB The Show 23
  1. Snapshot Series Nolan Ryan (99 OVR)
  2. Jin Kim Series John Donaldson (99 OVR)
  3. Jin Kim Series Satchel Paige (99 OVR)
  4. Awards Jacob deGrom (99 OVR)
  5. Awards Corey Kluber (99 OVR)
  6. Incognito Dustin May “Big Red” (99 OVR)
  7. MLB Draft Paul Skenes (99 OVR)
  8. June MA Lightning Shohei Ohtani (99 OVR)
  9. Milestone Matt Cain (99 OVR)
  10. Snapshot Series Clayton Kershaw (99 OVR)

Awards Corey Kluber is back, and the righty be to a formidable arm in the meta game. But arguably the biggest addition with TA4 was Snapshot Series Nolan Ryan. Ryan has 125 H/9 and Outlier on the fastball.

RP

  1. 2023 All-Star Game Camilo Doval (99 OVR)
  2. Incognito Billy Wagner “Billy the Kid” (99 OVR)
  3. Milestone Eric Gagne (99 OVR)
  4. Snapshot Series Ryan Helsley (99 OVR)
  5. 2023 All-Star Game Josh Hader (97 OVR)
  6. 2023 All-Star Game Alexis Diaz (99 OVR)
  7. July MA Joel Payamps (98 OVR)
  8. 2023 All-Star Game Yennier Cano (97 OVR)
  9. Snapshot Series Rob Dibble (97 OVR)
  10. TA4 Captain Jose Alvarado (95 OVR)

A number of tough relievers are out of the cycle, but there’s still some good options. Those who grind in the Season 4 XP path can get a 99 OVR Eric Gagne, and don’t sleep on names like Josh Hader or Joel Payamps.

* – indicates Core card

Note: All cards listed in the following lists are Core, Set 3, and Set 4 items. This will be updated throughout the year.

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