Last year, Sony San Diego introduced the concept of Cornerstone Captains to MLB The Show 24. These Captains were released in conjunction with Seasons 1-3, designed to give boosts to lesser-tier players. With Seasons gone, MLB The Show 25 will see a new twist added, called Cornerstone Evolutions. These non-Captain cards can be earned by earning a lesser version of a said player and using it to unlock a better edition.
Contents
3rd Inning Program
The 3rd Inning Program included three keys in Choice packs. Those keys were 83 OVR cards of Ralph Kiner, Jim Palmer, and Justin Turner. Each can be unlocked by making progress in the 3rd Inning Program.
Ralph Kiner
First off, a look at the reward path for the Kiner Cornerstone Program:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 90 OVR Cornerstone Ralph Kiner and 3,000 XP
And, the tasks:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 83 OVR Kiner Missions:
- Tally five hits with 83 OVR Ralph Kiner (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 83 OVR Ralph Kiner (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 83 OVR Ralph Kiner (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Last Ride Series hitters (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary position left fielders (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Pirates (5 pts.)
Last Ride Series hitters include the 88 OVR David Ortiz from the aptly-named Last Ride Program, plus Silver Adrian Beltre and Jim Edmonds, the latter of which is from the Rolen & the Reds Program.
And, and this applies to all 3rd Inning Cornerstone Programs, you don’t have to do every single Moment. Four of the five will get players to 50 Star Points, provided all the other Missions are completed.
Jim Palmer
Next up is the Jim Palmer Cornerstone Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 90 OVR Cornerstone Jim Palmer and 3,000 XP
And, a look at the tasks for the Palmer Cornerstone Program:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 83 OVR Palmer Missions:
- Tally nine innings with 83 OVR Jim Palmer (5 pts.)
- Tally 10 strikeouts with 83 OVR Jim Palmer (5 pts.)
- Tally 350 PXP with 83 OVR Jim Palmer (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 20 strikeouts with All-Star Series pitchers (5 pts.)
- Tally 18 innings pitched with starting pitchers (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Orioles (5 pts.)
At least 10 of the 20 strikeouts, and nine of the 18 innings must be done with the 83 OVR All-Star Series Palmer. To finish it out, one can use the 89 OVR Kluber, 87 OVR Kerry Wood, or even the 86 OVR Vida Blue from the Last Ride Program.
Using Blue can also help with the Egg Hunt Program.
Justin Turner
Here’s a look at the Justin Turner Cornerstone Program:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 90 OVR Cornerstone Justin Turner and 3,000 XP
The tasks are as follows:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 83 OVR Turner Missions:
- Tally five hits with 83 OVR Justin Turner (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 83 OVR Justin Turner (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 83 OVR Justin Turner (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Veteran Series hitters (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary position third basemen (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Dodgers (5 pts.)
Remember that 80 OVR Tony Clark from the 2nd Inning? That, plus other cards named down below in our Clark section, as well as the 83 OVR Turner, are among options.
2nd Inning Program
On April 11, three new Cornerstone Evolutions were added to Diamond Dynasty through the 2nd Inning Program. These final Evolution forms are 87 OVR cards of Tony Clark, J.D. Martinez, and Bruce Sutter.
Much like with the 1st Inning, each has its own pre-Evolution card. Each is 80 OVR.
Those cards in the 2nd Inning Program are necessary, as one can’t do the Moments, nor the card-specific Missions, without the pre-Evolution version.
Tony Clark
First off, a look at the Tony Clark Evolution Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 87 OVR Cornerstone Tony Clark and 3,000 XP
Here’s a look at how to make progress in the Clark Evo Program:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 80 OVR Clark Missions:
- Tally five hits with 80 OVR Tony Clark (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 80 OVR Tony Clark (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 80 OVR Tony Clark (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Veteran Series hitters (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary position first basemen (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Tigers (5 pts.)
The stat-based and PXP tasks can be completed in any single-player or online game within Diamond Dynasty.
Notable Veteran Series hitters include the 80 OVR Clark, 87 OVR Gary Sheffield (Tigers Live Series), and cards like 84 OVR Palmeiro (Orioles), 84 OVR Shawn Green (Diamondbacks), and 83 OVR Mike Cameron (Brewers). All are found in their respective teams’ Team Affinity path.
J.D. Martinez
Next, a look at the J.D. Martinez Evolution Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 87 OVR Cornerstone J.D. Martinez and 3,000 XP
Now, a look at the tasks:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 80 OVR Martinez Missions:
- Tally five hits with 80 OVR J.D. Martinez (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 80 OVR J.D. Martinez (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 80 OVR J.D. Martinez (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Contributor Series hitters (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary position left fielders (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Red Sox (5 pts.)
The stat Missions are friendly for this one. There’s plenty of Red Sox to use for the PXP Mission. Additionally, a fair amount of Contributor Series hitters cards exist in the game.
88 OVR Adrian Beltre (1st Inning Boss), 86 OVR Joe Morgan (Common Courtesy), and Team Affinity cards of Mike Piazza (Mets), Willie McCovey (Giants), and Edgar Martinez are among the options.
Bruce Sutter
Lastly, a look at the Bruce Sutter Evolution Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 87 OVR Cornerstone Bruce Sutter and 3,000 XP
Also, a look at the tasks for the Sutter Program:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts. each)
- 80 OVR Sutter Missions:
- Tally six innings with 80 OVR Bruce Sutter (5 pts.)
- Tally two saves with 80 OVR Bruce Sutter (5 pts.)
- Tally 350 PXP with 80 OVR Bruce Sutter (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 10 innings pitched with Veteran Series pitchers (5 pts.)
- Tally 15 strikeouts with primary position closing pitchers (CP) (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Cubs (5 pts.)
Notable Veteran Series pitchers include 79 OVR Joe Kelly (Red Sox TA), 86 OVR Liam Hendriks (A’s Live Series), and 90 OVR Johan Santana (Mets Live Series).
For save requirements, check out our explainer written last year.
1st Inning Program
The MLB The Show 25 1st Inning Program included the first three of what are known as Cornerstone Evolution starter players. These cards are 79 OVR, and all three can be obtained via Choice Pack within the 1st Inning Program.
To get all three, obtain 135,000 XP in the 1st Inning Program.
From there, one must complete a series of PXP and stat-based Missions with either the 79 OVR card or players who fit the specific Missions.
Bobby Abreu
First off, a look at the Bobby Abreu Evolution Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 85 OVR Cornerstone Bobby Abreu and 3,000 XP
These player Programs work very similarly to how traditional Assorted Programs work. Get Star Points through tasks to complete the Program. Here’s a look at the tasks:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts.)
- Rookie Bobby Abreu Missions:
- Tally five hits with 79 OVR Rookie Bobby Abreu in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 79 OVR Rookie Bobby Abreu in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 79 OVR Rookie Bobby Abreu in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Rookie Series hitters in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary right fielders in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Phillies in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
Rookie Series hitters, besides the Abreu, that are currently available include 80 OVR Eloy Jimenez (White Sox Live Series reward), 79 OVR Grady Sizemore (Guardians Team Affinity), and 78 OVR Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals Team Affinity).
Dick Allen
Here’s a look at the Dick Allen reward path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 85 OVR Cornerstone Dick Allen and 3,000 XP
Now, a look at the tasks for Allen’s Evolution Program:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts.)
- Veteran Dick Allen Missions:
- Tally five hits with 79 OVR Veteran Dick Allen in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally two extra-base hits with 79 OVR Veteran Dick Allen in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 200 PXP with 79 OVR Veteran Dick Allen in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 15 hits with Veteran Series hitters in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally five home runs with primary third basemen in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Phillies in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
Cards that are in the Veteran Series include 87 OVR Gary Sheffield (Tigrs Live Series), 84 OVR Rafael Palmeiro (Orioles Team Affinity), 79 OVR Gil Hodges (Mets Team Affinity), 79 OVR Brian Dozier (Nationals Team Affinity), and the 72 OVR starter Jimmy Rollins card.
Ubaldo Jimenez
Finally, a look at the Ubaldo Jimenez Program path:
- 5 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 10 Points: 250 Stubs
- 20 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack and 2,000 XP
- 30 Points: 250 Stubs
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 25 pack (x2) and 3,000 XP
- 50 Points: 86 OVR Ubaldo Jimenez and 3,000 XP
And, the tasks:
- Complete five Moments (25 pts. – 5 pts.)
- Rookie Ubaldo Jimenez Missions:
- Tally nine innings pitched with 79 OVR Rookie Ubaldo Jimenez in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 10 strikeouts with 79 OVR Rookie Ubaldo Jimenez in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 350 PXP with 79 OVR Rookie Ubaldo Jimenez in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Stat Missions:
- Tally 18 innings pitched with starting pitchers in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 20 strikeouts with Rookie Series pitchers in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
- Tally 750 PXP with Rockies in 1v1 Ranked, Battle Royale, Events, Play vs. CPU, Mini Seasons, Ranked co-op, Weekend Classic, Diamond Quest, and Conquest (5 pts.)
Jimenez is the highest-rated of the three at 86 OVR — and arguably the best. The former Rockies ace has a good pitch mix to work with and should slot into most users’ early-game rotations.
As for tips on how to get this done, remember that there’s an 85 OVR Chase Dollander in the Spring Breakout Program. Dollander can help with the SP innings pitched and Rockies PXP Missions.
Additionally, there are J.R. Richard and Andy Pettitte Rookie cards in the Astros and Yankees’ Team Affinity paths, respectively.
It’s worth noting that a maximum of 55 Star Points can be obtained for each Program. That means one Moment and/or Mission can be skipped if planned properly.
Can past Cornerstone Evolution cards be obtained?
Yes.
Up until the end of the 2nd Inning, the lower OVR keys were only available within the active programs. However, starting with the 3rd Inning, SDS added rewind rounds to subsequent Cornerstone Choice Packs to give players the opportunity to catch up.
It’ll help for the 99 OVR Scott Rolen — and additional Legends & Flashbacks Collections — since six fully-evolved Cornerstone cards needed for it.
This guide will be updated as new Cornerstone Evolutions are released throughout the year.