MLB The Show 25 Features of the Paul Skenes Takeover Program

The Paul Skenes Takeover event in MLB The Show 25 is a special in-game program within the Diamond Dynasty mode, spotlighting Pittsburgh Pirates ace pitcher Paul Skenes, who is also one of the game’s cover athletes alongside Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson. Below is a detailed breakdown of the event based on available information:

Features of the Paul Skenes Takeover Program

1. Release Date: The program was announced to launch on June 20, 2025, at noon PT.
2. Program Content:
   • Moments: Players can engage in gameplay moments that recreate some of Skenes’ most impactful performances from his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. These moments highlight his dominance on the mound, such as key strikeouts or standout games.
   • Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher-Themed Stat Missions: These missions involve completing specific statistical objectives using Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers, likely focusing on pitching-related stats like strikeouts, innings pitched, or limiting hits.
   • Optional Paul Skenes Missions: Players can use any Paul Skenes player item available in MLB The Show 25 to complete additional missions. These missions are designed to be flexible, allowing the use of various Skenes cards, such as his Live Series or special editions.
   • Reward: Completing the program’s objectives allows players to earn a Cover Athlete Series Paul Skenes (94 OVR) card, a high-value starting pitcher with Double Outlier attributes on his 4-Seam Fastball and Splitter. This card is noted for its elite velocity (99 rating), exceptional break (99 rating), and solid control (75 rating), making it one of the top starting pitcher cards in the game, ranked #7 by True Overall.
3. In-Game Visuals: The Paul Skenes Takeover extends beyond gameplay, with in-game menus and graphics featuring Skenes prominently, emphasizing his role as a cover athlete and giving the event a “spotlight treatment.”

Paul Skenes’ Card Details

• 94 OVR Cover Athlete Series Paul Skenes:
  • Attributes:
    • H/9 (Hits per 9 innings): 95, indicating excellent ability to prevent hits.
    • K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 innings): 69, adequate but not elite.
    • BB/9 (Walks per 9 innings): 79, showing strong control.
    • Pitching Clutch: 99, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure with runners on base.
    • Stamina: 91, suitable for a starting pitcher to go deep into games.
    • Velocity: 99, with an Outlier 4-Seam Fastball that exceeds typical speed thresholds.
    • Break: 99, with notable movement on his Sinker and Splitter.
  • Pitch Mix: Features a 5-pitch arsenal, including an Outlier 4-Seam Fastball, Sinker, Slider, and Vulcan Change, with the fastball and sinker being particularly dominant due to their velocity and break.
• Quirks: Includes Outlier I, enhancing his pitch effectiveness.
• Availability: This card is earned through gameplay and mission objectives in the Takeover Program, making it accessible without requiring pack purchases, a feature praised for its player-friendly approach.

Additional Context

• Skenes’ Real-Life Achievements: The event capitalizes on Skenes’ remarkable 2024 MLB season, where he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts, and earned honors as the National League Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game starter, and All-MLB First Team member. His rapid rise from the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick to a dominant MLB pitcher is reflected in the program’s focus on his standout moments.
• Other Content in the Update: Alongside the Skenes Takeover, the June 20 update introduced additional content, such as:
  • A Can’t Catch Me Event, focusing on players with 80+ speed or any silver player, emphasizing base-running chaos.
  • A Sunny Map in Conquest mode, where players compete to control territories and earn rewards like XP, Packs, and Stubs.
  • Multiplayer 4 Program – Drop 2 Missions, offering rewards like Awards Series Ian Happ (93 OVR) and Postseason Series Manny Machado (94 OVR).
  • A Chase Pack 15 featuring Awards Series Joe Mauer (96 OVR).
• Future Content: June 27, 2025, including a June Spotlight Program & Pack, a new Event, Diamond Quest, Conquest Map, and Prime Program & Collection, indicating ongoing updates to keep the game fresh.

Why It Matters

The Paul Skenes Takeover Program is significant for its focus on one of the game’s cover athletes, offering players a chance to earn a high-quality card through engaging gameplay rather than microtransactions. The program’s design, with its mix of Moments, Missions, and thematic content, aligns with Skenes’ real-world impact and enhances the immersive experience of MLB The Show 25. The Double Outlier attributes and high overall rating make the Skenes card a valuable addition to most players’ Diamond Dynasty rotations, appealing to both casual and competitive players.