If you're grinding through MLB The Show 25 and aiming to finish Team Affinity 4 without spending dozens of hours, you're not alone. Many players assume it's a long haul, but with the right approach, you can knock it out in just 12 matches. Here's a streamlined strategy that focuses on efficiency, lineup planning, and game mode selection—plus a few tips for keeping your Stubs stack healthy along the way.

1. Focus on Mini Seasons and Conquest First

One of the fastest ways to rack up Team Affinity XP is through Mini Seasons and Conquest. Both modes allow you to complete multiple program tasks in a short time. Prioritize games that offer parallel XP and player missions. You'll want to win, of course, but make sure your lineup includes players tied to Team Affinity missions.

2. Build a Full Team Affinity Lineup

Before your first game, go into your Diamond Dynasty lineup and fill every slot—yes, every one—with players from the division you're targeting. Batters and pitchers alike should come from Team Affinity packs or other eligible cards. This ensures you're stacking XP from every swing, pitch, and out.

3. Stack Missions and Objectives

MLB The Show 25 rewards multitasking. Try completing hitting, pitching, and team-specific missions at once. For example, use a Team Affinity pitcher while hitting home runs with a player from the same program. This is how you start compressing the grind from 30 games down to 12.

4. Use Veteran or All-Star Difficulty

Don’t waste time on Legend unless you're ultra-confident. Veteran and All-Star difficulties give a solid balance between manageable gameplay and good XP rewards. The faster you finish matches, the faster you progress—especially when paired with mission completions.

5. Activate Double XP or Time-Limited Events

When available, always activate Double XP bonuses or play during special events. You might finish some divisions in just 2-3 games if you're hitting mission goals during boosted XP windows.

6. Don’t Sleep on Moments

Some Team Affinity 4 programs include Moments that offer substantial XP and are extremely fast to complete. Knock these out between games to avoid wasting a full match on only a few mission points.

7. Monitor Player Parallels

Players who gain Parallel XP quickly not only contribute to mission goals but can also help you unlock more packs and rewards. Keep an eye on who’s producing, and sub in fresh faces to maximize your gain per match.

8. Quick Pitching & At-Bats Save Time

Skip cutscenes, speed up at-bats, and avoid full counts where possible. Remember, you’re not playing for realism here—you’re aiming for results. Short, efficient matches save a huge amount of time over 12 games.

9. Sell Rewards You Don’t Need

As you progress through Team Affinity 4, you'll earn packs and cards—many of which won't fit your team. Instead of hoarding, sell them in the Marketplace to stock up on Stubs. It’s a great way to earn extra value passively.

10. Reinvest in Needed Players

If you’re short on a few Team Affinity players, don’t hesitate to buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs to speed things up. It can save hours of grinding and get you back to actually enjoying the game.

11. U4N for Stub Management

Many community players consider U4N the best place to buy stubs MLB The Show 25 related. Whether you're bolstering your roster or flipping cards for profit, a reliable Stub source makes progression smoother.

12. Keep an Eye on Program Timers

Team Affinity 4 won’t last forever. Check expiration dates and focus on one division at a time if needed. Prioritizing short-term goals keeps your 12-game plan on track and prevents any last-minute panic.

Completing Team Affinity 4 in just 12 matches isn’t about playing harder—it’s about playing smarter. Efficient team setups, smart use of mission stacking, and strategic use of Stubs can dramatically reduce your grind. Stay focused, adapt your lineup between games, and don’t forget to take advantage of moments, missions, and XP multipliers. With this plan, you’ll have Team Affinity 4 wrapped up while everyone else is still on game 25.