Characters & Roles

Characters & Roles Overview

In MLB The Show 23, every player on the field is a character with a distinct role. Unlike traditional RPGs, characters are defined by their position, attributes, and in the case of Diamond Dynasty (DD), their card tier and captain abilities. This guide covers all major playable units: Road to the Show (RTTS) player-created archetypes, Diamond Dynasty legend and live series players, and the core positional roles. Whether you're building a team for DD or crafting your perfect RTTS player, understanding each character's strengths, weaknesses, and unlock conditions is critical.

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Player Roles (Positions)

Every position in baseball demands a specific skill set. Below is a breakdown of each role, including typical attribute priorities and playstyle.

Pitcher

• Strengths: High velocity, break, control, stamina, and pitch repertoire depth.


• Weaknesses: Low hitting ability; must be a good fielder (low Fielding attribute can hurt).


• Playstyle: Focus on mixing pitches, hitting corners, and managing stamina. In RTTS, you can choose to be a starter (SP) or reliever (RP/CP).


• Key Attributes:

- H/9, K/9, BB/9: Core pitching stats.
- Velocity, Break, Control: Determines pitch effectiveness.
- Stamina: Vital for starters (high) vs relievers (lower).

• Sub-roles:

- Starting Pitcher (SP): High stamina, multiple pitches, used for 5+ innings.
- Relief Pitcher (RP): Moderate stamina, typically 1-2 innings.
- Closer (CP): High velocity/break, but low stamina—used only for final innings.



Catcher




• Strengths: Blocking, arm strength, fielding, and ability to call games (influences pitcher confidence).


• Weaknesses: Usually slower; lower offensive output compared to other positions.


• Playstyle: Manage the battery, block wild pitches, throw out base stealers. Key attributes: Blocking, Arm Strength, Fielding.




First Base




• Strengths: Power hitting, good fielding near the bag, tall stature for stretching.


• Weaknesses: Slow speed, limited range.


• Playstyle: Primary power bat in the lineup; must scoop low throws.


• Key attributes: Power (R/L), Contact, Fielding, Reaction (for pickoffs).




Second Base




• Strengths: Quickness, range, double-play pivot, good contact hitting.


• Weaknesses: Lower power potential; often smaller frame.


• Playstyle: Middle infield defense, turn double plays, hit for average.


• Key attributes: Speed, Fielding, Arm Strength, Contact.




Shortstop




• Strengths: Elite range, arm strength, fielding, often above-average hitting.


• Weaknesses: Demanding position; requires high attributes across the board.


• Playstyle: Captain of the infield; make long throws from deep in the hole, cover second base on steals.


• Key attributes: Fielding, Arm Strength, Reaction, Speed, Contact.




Third Base




• Strengths: Strong arm for across-the-diamond throws, good power hitting.


• Weaknesses: Less range than shortstop; slower reaction times.


• Playstyle: Cover the hot corner, quick reflexes for bunts, hit for power.


• Key attributes: Reaction, Arm Strength, Power, Fielding.




Outfield (Left, Center, Right)




• Strengths: Speed, reaction, arm strength for throwing home.


• Weaknesses: Center field requires the most range; corner outfielders often have power bats.


• Playstyle: Track fly balls, hit cutoffs, take extra bases.


• Sub-roles:

- Left Field (LF): Usually a power hitter with average defense.
- Center Field (CF): Must have elite speed and reaction—the defensive quarterback.
- Right Field (RF): Strong arm to third base; often a power hitter.

• Key attributes: Reaction, Speed, Fielding, Arm Strength, Power.




Designated Hitter (DH)




• Strengths: Pure hitting, no defensive pressure.


• Weaknesses: No fielding contribution; can be a liability in speed on the bases.


• Playstyle: Hit only; often used for older players or those with poor defense.


• Key attributes: Contact, Power, Discipline.

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Road to the Show (RTTS) Archetypes

RTTS allows you to create a custom player. At creation, you choose a primary archetype (position) and a secondary archetype that defines your skill focus. Each archetype has unique perks and attribute caps.

Fielding Positions

Pitching Archetypes

Unlock Conditions (RTTS)

• All archetypes are available from the start of RTTS.


• To upgrade archetype tiers (Bronze→Silver→Gold→Diamond), you must accumulate XP in that archetype’s stat categories.


• No hidden characters; every player progresses through stat caps.


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Diamond Dynasty Notable Characters



Diamond Dynasty features over 900 unique player cards, including Live Series (current MLB players), Legends (retired greats), Flashbacks (past seasons of current players), and Topps Now/Monthly Awards cards. Below are the most impactful "characters" to seek, including their backgrounds and synergy.



Essential Legends (Highest Overall Tiers)



#### 99 Overall Ken Griffey Jr. (The Kid)

• Background: Hall of Fame center fielder for Mariners, Reds, White Sox; 13× All-Star, 10× Gold Glove. Iconic swing.


• In-game strengths: Elite contact/power vs RHP and LHP, diamond fielding (88Fld), speed (87Spd).


• Weaknesses: None significant; slight lack of inside-edge vs lefties at times.


• How to obtain: Diamond Dynasty Program: Ken Griffey Jr. (Season 1) – complete all moments, missions and collect 100 program stars. Also available in Griffey Choice Pack.


• Recommended equipment (if RTTS-equivalent): N/A in DD but set as core outfield.


• Synergy: Active Captain boosts: Griffey (CF) gives +5 Contact, +5 Power to all Outfielders. Best used on a Mariners theme team or any team needing a top CF.


#### 99 Overall Babe Ruth (The Great Bambino)

• Background: Legendary pitcher/outfielder for Red Sox, Yankees. 714 HRs, 2.28 ERA as pitcher.


• In-game strengths: Max power (125/125 vs both sides), decent contact (115+), strong arm (95Arm). Pitcher card boosts stamina.


• Weaknesses: Low speed (30Spd), mediocre fielding for OF. His fielding card has very low reaction.


• How to obtain: Babe Ruth Program (Season 2) – grind 150 stars. Also in Ruth Choice Pack or Yankees Collection reward.


• Synergy: Captain:Babe Ruth (RF) boosts Power for all Yankees players by +10. Pair with Aaron Judge, Lou Gehrig.


#### 99 Overall Randy Johnson (Big Unit)

• Background: Hall of Fame pitcher with Mariners, D-backs, Yankees. 5 Cy Young Awards, 100mph fastball from left side.


• In-game strengths: Unhittable slider/ fastball combo; elite K/9 (125), high velocity (99mph+), high break on off-speed.


• Weaknesses: Slightly low control vs righties (still high 90s), stamina only 80–85 for his 99 card.


• How to obtain: Diamond Dynasty Program: Randy Johnson (Season 3) – 150 stars. Also in Superstar Choice Pack.


• Synergy: Captain:Randy Johnson (SP) gives +5 H/9 to all Left-Handed pitchers. Stack with other lefties like Clayton Kershaw.


#### 99 Overall Derek Jeter (Captain Clutch)

• Background: Hall of Fame shortstop for Yankees; 5× World Series champion, 14× All-Star.


• In-game strengths: High contact/vision (125Contact, 125Vision), diamond fielding (90+ Field/Arm/Reaction), clutch attribute boosts late-game.


• Weaknesses: Low power (75 vs R, 80 vs L), average speed (80Spd).


• How to obtain: Jeter Program (Season 4) – 150 stars. Or via Yankees Collection #2.


• Synergy: Captain:Derek Jeter (SS) gives +5 Contact, +5 Vision to all Shortstops. Pairs well with any SS on theme.

#### Other Notable Legends (Sample)

Live Series and Flashback Characters

Every MLB team has a Live Series (current season) card that updates throughout the year. Key players to target:

• Aaron Judge (NYY) – max power, but low contact vs offspeed.


• Juan Soto (SD) – elite contact/plate discipline (125 Vision).


• Jacob deGrom (TEX) – 102mph fastball, 125 K/9, but injury prone.


• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) – high contact/power, good fielding at 1B/3B.

These are obtained through packs, team affinity, or the marketplace. Their synergy often hinges on team chemistry – e.g., five Yankees Live players boost each other's attributes by +3.

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Team Synergy and Lineup Construction

In Diamond Dynasty, Captain Cards and Team Affinity create powerful synergies. Below is a quick guide to building around specific characters.

Captain Boosts (Select Examples)

How to Unlock Cards

• Programs: Complete moments and missions (e.g., Hall of Fame Program).


• Collections: Gather all Live Series players from one team to unlock a Diamond reward.


• Ranked Seasons/Luck: Earn packs; pull rare cards.


• Marketplace: Buy Stubs (in-game currency) and purchase cards directly.


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RTTS Build Recommendations



For RTTS, consider these two optimal character builds based on your preferred playstyle:



Power-Speed Hybrid (Outfielder)



• Archetype: Power Hitter (Primary), Contact Hitter (Secondary).


• Attributes: Focus on Power (125) and Contact (100+), then Speed (80+).


• Equipment: Diamond Power Bat (+20 Power), Diamond Cleats (+15 Speed), Diamond Fielding Glove (+15 Field/Reaction).


• Synergy: None in RTTS, but you'll excel as a corner outfielder.




Closer with Elite Control



• Archetype: Finesse Pitcher (Primary), Power Pitcher (Secondary).


• Attributes: Max Control (125), then Velocity (100+), and Movement (115+).


• Equipment: Diamond Control Grip (+20 Control), Diamond Weighted Ball (+15 Break), Diamond Leg Sleeve (+10 Stamina).


• Playstyle: Use a devastating changeup/cutter combo; low walks, high ground-ball rate.

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Conclusion

MLB The Show 23 offers a deep roster of characters, from real-life legends to your own created player. Understanding positional roles, archetype strengths, and DD captain synergies will give you a competitive edge. Focus on building a coherent team theme in Diamond Dynasty and maximize your RTTS archetype's potential with the right equipment. For a complete list of all player cards, refer to the All Game Items guide section.