What's Going Wrong with Weekend Classic in MLB The Show 25
But as good as the idea is, the execution has left a lot to be desired. For a mode meant to celebrate top-tier play and bring excitement to the weekend grind, Weekend Classic has been hampered by frustrating issues, inconsistent matchmaking, and reward systems that feel underwhelming considering the effort required. And while developers at San Diego Studio have made some improvements, the mode still feels far from what it could, and should, be.
The Matchmaking Mess
When Weekend Classic first launched, one of the most glaring problems was its matchmaking system. Players who had qualified for a certain level of difficulty, say, Veteran or All-Star, weren't always matched accordingly. Instead, they'd often be placed against opponents on much higher difficulties, despite never opting into those tiers. This created a harsh learning curve and discouraged casual but competitive players from participating.
To the studio's credit, this issue was addressed relatively quickly. Difficulty settings are now better aligned with player performance and placement. That early fix showed that San Diego Studio was listening, and there was a brief period where Weekend Classic felt like it might hit its stride.
Unfortunately, new problems have surfaced, and they're starting to erode player trust again.
New Problems, Same Frustration
Even after matchmaking was cleaned up, the experience still feels inconsistent. One of the most persistent complaints is uneven player pools. Sometimes you'll find yourself in an evenly matched, tense game. Other times, it feels like you're facing someone completely out of your league, regardless of placement or past performance. It's as if the backend algorithm sometimes just throws its hands up and says, "Good luck!"
Another major point of contention is connection quality. Because Weekend Classic draws players from all over the country, or even internationally, lag has become a major issue. In a mode where timing and pitch precision are everything, input delay and jittery animations are unacceptable. Players have voiced these complaints repeatedly, yet not much seems to be improving on that front.
But perhaps the most disappointing issue of all lies in the reward structure.
The Rewards Aren't Worth the Grind
In competitive modes, rewards are everything. They're what keep players coming back, grinding through tough matchups, and putting in the hours. Unfortunately, Weekend Classic's rewards often feel disconnected from the effort required. Reaching top tiers of performance takes serious skill, and time. But the payout? Usually just a small stack of MLB 25 Stubs or a pack that doesn't contain much of value.
For a mode that's designed to challenge elite players, the rewards need to reflect the difficulty. A measly handful of MLB The Show 25 Stubs isn't enough motivation when you've spent a weekend battling through lag, skill mismatches, and pressure-packed innings. The game should be celebrating those who rise to the top with rare cards, exclusive items, or significant Stub payouts. As it stands, it feels like you're spending premium effort for bargain-bin prizes.
How MLB 25 Stubs Could Fix This
Let's talk about stubs, MLB 25 Stubs, to be specific. These are the backbone of MLB The Show 25's in-game economy. Players use them to buy packs, complete collections, and grab cards from the marketplace. If Weekend Classic rewarded significantly more MLB The Show 25 Stubs, the mode would instantly feel more satisfying.
Better yet, San Diego Studio could introduce exclusive content only available through Weekend Classic milestones. Imagine grinding your way to the top tier of the event and being rewarded with a one-of-a-kind player card, or a massive stash of stubs you couldn't get anywhere else. That's the kind of incentive that would turn Weekend Classic into a can't-miss weekly event.
Community Burnout Is Growing
The unfortunate truth is that many players are already beginning to burn out on the Weekend Classic. What started as a promising idea has become a weekly source of frustration. The inconsistency, the low-tier rewards, and the lack of meaningful progression have turned what should be a highlight into a chore.
Players are voicing their concerns, flooding social media and forums with feedback, but meaningful updates have been slow. If San Diego Studio wants to keep this mode alive and thriving, they need to act fast. Improving matchmaking, fixing server stability, and offering better rewards, especially MLB 25 Stubs and rare in-game content, should be top priorities.
Final Thoughts
Despite its flaws, Weekend Classic isn't beyond saving. The core idea is solid. It's a fun, pressure-packed way to compete and test your skills against others. But as it stands, it's more frustrating than fun for many players.
What it needs now is care and attention, particularly in its reward model and matchmaking system. With a few key adjustments, MLB The Show 25 could turn this struggling mode into one of its crown jewels. Until then, many players may find themselves asking if a handful of MLB The Show 25 Stubs are really worth the stress.