The new Multiplayer Program in MLB The Show 25 has broken up the traditional program rewards that we've seen from Events, Battle Royale, and Ranked Seasons the last couple of years.
By removing the individual programs from each game mode, SDS has consolidated rewards into an all-encompassing program that rewards players for grinding their favorite game modes. To me, this was a huge win because it means you don't have to grind game modes you don't care about.
In previous years, that meant a card like Jason Varitek (the previous program addition) might only be accessible if you grind enough in the respective game mode program. Many were disappointed at the prospect of losing the free World Series and Flawless packs, but moving the player card items into a unified reward path is all the same to me - except I can play what I want.
88 overall All-Star RF Jose Bautista (Toronto Blue Jays)

In many ways, this is the prototypical Joey Bats scaled to the current power level.

This iteration of Bautista features reverse splits, meaning he hits RHP better than LHP. The 79 Clutch will somewhat balance out the difference in Contact, with the Power being quite good for the current state of the game.
Bautista's Fielding rating of 66 is pedestrian, but his 70 Reaction and 87 Arm Strength make him better than several options available right now. His Fielding rates out better than Aaron Judge, and while the offense isn't nearly the same, that could make Joey Bats even more enticing for budget teams.
Bautista ranks as a top option at each of his eligible positions (RF, 1B, 3B) which only increases his meta-value. A great swing, sick no-doubter, and solid attributes across the board make Jose Bautista a worthy final reward in the Multiplayer Program.
Closing Thoughts
Joey Bautista will be a fun addition to many squads. All you have to do is keep grinding multiplayer games and you'll accrue the necessary stats to add Joey Bats to your squad.
Cory Wayne Dell
Cory has been writing about all things baseball and gaming since 2022 and has been featured at Operation Sports as well as cited by Forbes. Cory is also a multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band Cargocastle. Cargocastle's latest single, "Truth and Reconciliation," is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Cory is also the author of Shadow of a Monster, a personal memoir currently seeking publication.