You’ve seen the high-leg kick. You’ve probably been blown away by that 100-mph heater in a Diamond Dynasty game and wondered how a guy who looks that smooth can be so hard to hit. Honestly, Vida Blue is one of those cards in MLB The Show 25 that divides the community. Some people swear by him as the ultimate lefty power pitcher, while others struggle with his delivery.
But if you aren't using him, you're missing out on a serious competitive edge.
The Legend of Vida Blue
Before we talk stats, let’s be real. Vida Blue wasn’t just a "good" pitcher; he was a phenomenon. In 1971, he did something almost unthinkable: he won the AL Cy Young and the MVP in the same season. He was only 22. That kind of raw, explosive talent is exactly what San Diego Studio tries to bake into his digital counterpart every year.
In MLB The Show 25, we get to see various versions of him, from the lower-rated "Veteran" cards to the absolute monster "All-Star" or "Milestone" variants.
Why Vida Blue MLB The Show 25 Cards Dominate the Meta
What makes Vida different from your average lefty? Basically, it’s the combination of velocity and break.
Most lefties in the game are either "finesse" guys or "junkballers." You’ve got your Jamie Moyers and your Tom Glavines. Then you have Vida. He’s a power pitcher who actually has a usable curveball. In the 86 Overall All-Star version specifically, he carries a 90 Velocity and a 90 Break. That’s a nasty pairing.
His pitch mix usually looks like this:
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- 4-Seam Fastball: Sits around 97-99 mph, touching 100.
- Curveball: High 70s to low 80s with massive vertical drop.
- Changeup: Great for pulling the string on early swings.
- 2-Seam Fastball: Added horizontal movement to jam righties.
The 4-seam and the Curveball are his bread and butter. If you can tunnel those two—meaning you make them look identical coming out of the hand—opponents are going to be swinging at dirt half the time.
The Quirks That Actually Matter
It’s not just about the raw numbers. Quirks change the "feel" of a card. For Vida Blue, the Break Outlier is huge. It means his pitches don't lose as much movement as he gets tired.
Also, don't sleep on the Pick Off Artist quirk. It might seem niche, but in a close Ranked Seasons game, catching a speedy runner leaning at first base is a total momentum shifter.
How to Get the Most Out of Vida on the Mound
Using Vida Blue requires a bit of a "bully" mentality. You can't be afraid to challenge hitters inside. Because he throws so hard from the left side, his 4-seamer feels even faster to a right-handed batter.
"Vida throws smoke, and he throws it for strikes." — Joe DiMaggio
That's the philosophy you need.
Mix the heights. A common mistake is just spamming fastballs up and curveballs down. Instead, try throwing that high-velocity 2-seamer on the inside corner, then follow it up with a changeup that starts in the same spot but falls off the table.
Managing the Windup
His delivery is unique. It’s got a bit of a "hitch" or a high-leg kick that can be tough to time for the user if you're used to quicker animations like Corbin Burnes. Honestly, it takes about two or three games to really get the rhythm down. Once you do, that same delivery becomes a nightmare for the person you're playing against because it's harder for them to track the ball's release point.
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Comparing Versions: From Common to Diamond
Throughout the year, you’ll see different versions of Vida.
- The 64 OVR Veteran: This is mostly "collection fodder" or for use in very specific low-tier events. He’s with the Royals here, and his velocity is significantly lower. Don't expect to win many games with this one unless you're a literal god at the game.
- The 86 OVR All-Star: This is the one most people are running right now. It's a Diamond card that represents his 1971 season (though sometimes labeled differently depending on the program). With 104 Stamina, he can go deep into games, which is a lifesaver for your bullpen.
- The Potential 99 OVR: Later in the game cycle, we usually see a "Signature Series" or "Milestone" Vida Blue. When that drops, he becomes an end-game starter. We’re talking 100+ H/9 and K/9 stats that make the PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) look like a postage stamp for your opponent.
Is he worth the Stubs?
Kinda depends on your playstyle. If you prefer pitchers with five or six pitches and a "cutter/sinker" meta, Vida might feel a bit limited. But if you want someone who can simply overpower people and has a high "clutch" factor (his All-Star card has an 83 Pitching Clutch), he's worth every stub.
Better Together: Captain Boosts
If you’re building an Athletics Theme Team, Vida is a mandatory inclusion. Using captains like Brent Rooker or Matt Holliday can give him massive attribute bumps.
Imagine taking an already dominant 86 OVR card and boosting his H/9 (Hits per 9 innings) by +15. Suddenly, you’re looking at a card that plays like a 92 or 93 OVR. That’s how you win in the higher divisions of Ranked.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to add Vida Blue to your squad, start by checking the current Programs or Collections. Often, his mid-tier cards are rewards for things like "Team Affinity" or "Season Awards."
- Practice the Delivery: Take him into a "Play vs CPU" game on Hall of Fame difficulty. Get used to the timing of his meter or pinpoint pitching.
- Check the Market: If he’s a headliner or part of a pack, keep an eye on the market fluctuations during the weekend. Prices usually dip when new packs drop on Fridays.
- Tunneling Strategy: Focus on the 4-seam and Curveball. If you can't master the tunnel between these two, you're only using half the card's potential.
- Use the DH: Remember, Vida is a decent athlete for a pitcher. While you won't be hitting homers with him, he's a switch-hitter, which can be a tiny tactical advantage in very specific National League-style situations if you ever find yourself without a DH.
Vida Blue remains one of the most storied lefties in baseball history. Seeing him represented so accurately in MLB The Show 25 is a treat for historians and competitive grinders alike. Put him in your rotation, trust the heat, and watch the strikeouts pile up.