TL;DR
- Spring Cleanup program runs for three weeks featuring five 93-overall boss cards with unique attributes
- Each boss card offers specific meta-countering abilities that can transform team weaknesses into competitive advantages
- Program includes XP path with choice packs, Conquest map, and special events rewarding significant experience points
- Strategic selection depends on team needs, with Justice and Mathews providing immediate offensive upgrades
- Marketplace decisions should consider both immediate utility and long-term collection value
Eddie Mathews and David Justice take center stage as the headline attractions in Diamond Dynasty’s newest featured program, bringing significant firepower to your lineup.
As baseball season intensifies, MLB The Show 22 has unveiled its second major Diamond Dynasty offering: Spring Cleanup. This program succeeds the Faces Of The Franchise content and remains available for three weeks until May 20th. The update introduces fresh missions, player moments, and an entirely new Spring Showers Conquest Map that provides substantial XP rewards toward acquiring one of five program bosses: Milestone Zack Britton, 1971 All-Star Tom Seaver, 1959 All-Star Ernie Banks, 1953 Breakout Eddie Mathews, and 2000 2nd Half David Justice.
The program’s XP progression system features two Spring Cleanup boss selection packs alongside legendary player icons, unlockable content, themed choice packs, and three returning Diamond Classics packs containing popular retro cards like Prospect Alec Bohm and Postseason David Price. Additionally, the Bosses Band Event showcases Breakout Wade Boggs and Postseason Johnny Bench, granting 2,000 XP per victory. A separate Kansas City Nike City Connect program offers Veteran Brett Saberhagen as a player item while collecting the Royals’ art deco-inspired alternate uniforms.
Every Spring Cleanup boss card maintains a 93 overall rating with specialized attribute splits designed to challenge current gameplay metas and convert team deficiencies into newfound strengths. While these cards aren’t flawless, they provide substantial value—prompting our comprehensive analysis of which new program additions deserve immediate roster spots versus marketplace sales.
Spring Cleanup boss 2000 2nd Half David Justice.
David Justice’s 2000 2nd Half card represents one of the program’s premier offensive weapons, featuring exceptional power numbers against right-handed pitching. His swing mechanics in-game create natural lift and exit velocity, making him particularly effective in hitter-friendly ballparks. The card’s defensive limitations in left field require strategic positioning, but his bat more than compensates for defensive concerns.
Practical Strategy: Position Justice in the cleanup spot (4th) against right-handed starters, but consider platooning him versus lefties due to noticeable splits. His clutch rating shines in late-game situations, making him valuable during close contests. For optimal performance, focus on pulling the ball to right field where his power plays most effectively.
Common Mistake: Many players overlook Justice’s below-average speed, failing to position him appropriately in the outfield. Always play him deeper than usual to prevent extra-base hits from turning into inside-the-park home runs.
Marketplace Insight: Justice typically maintains stable value due to collection requirements, making him a safer investment than more volatile program cards.
Spring Cleanup boss 1953 Breakout Eddie Mathews.
Eddie Mathews’ 1953 Breakout edition brings Hall of Fame power to the hot corner with one of the game’s most visually appealing swings. His card captures his legendary 47-home run season, translating to exceptional in-game power metrics that play well in all stadium conditions.
Historical Context: Mathews was the first player in MLB history to hit 100 home runs before turning 25, and this card reflects that prodigious early-career power.
Gameplay Application: Utilize Mathews in the heart of your lineup where his combination of power and respectable contact ratings can maximize run production. His defensive attributes at third base are serviceable but benefit from defensive positioning adjustments.
Advanced Tip: Mathews’ swing generates exceptional backspin, making him particularly effective on high fastballs. Focus your hitting approach on pitches in the upper third of the strike zone for optimal results.
Spring Cleanup boss 1959 All-Star Ernie Banks.
Ernie “Mr. Cub” Banks delivers exceptional versatility with his 1959 All-Star card, offering both shortstop capability and first base eligibility. This dual-position flexibility makes him invaluable for roster construction and in-game substitutions.
Position Flexibility: Banks’ ability to play multiple infield positions provides strategic advantages during extended gameplay sessions and tournament settings.
Power vs Contact Analysis: While Banks boasts impressive power numbers, his contact ratings require careful approach management. Focus on swinging at pitches in his hot zones while taking more pitches outside the strike zone.
Defensive Ratings Breakdown: His fielding attributes at shortstop are adequate but not elite, making him better suited for teams with strong defensive outfields that can compensate for any defensive limitations.
Common Pitfall: Players often bat Banks too high in the lineup despite his modest contact numbers. The 5th or 6th spot provides optimal production without sacrificing lineup balance.
Spring Cleanup boss 1971 All-Star Tom Seaver.
Tom “Tom Terrific” Seaver’s 1971 All-Star card brings Cy Young caliber pitching to your rotation with a diverse pitch mix and exceptional control ratings.
Pitching Arsenal: Seaver features a dominant fastball with significant velocity separation from his changeup, creating uncomfortable at-bats for opposing hitters. His slider generates impressive horizontal break that can neutralize both right and left-handed batters when located properly.
Stamina Management: With above-average stamina, Seaver can pitch deep into games but requires careful management to maintain effectiveness through multiple rotations.
Rotation Placement Strategy: Position Seaver as your #2 starter where he can maximize matchups against opponents’ weaker hitters while avoiding their ace pitchers.
Advanced Technique: Utilize Seaver’s fastball up in the zone to set up his devastating slider away from same-handed hitters. This sequence proves particularly effective against power hitters who struggle with high velocity.
Spring Cleanup boss Milestone Series Zack Britton.
Zack Britton’s Milestone Series card captures his historic 2016 season where he converted all 47 save opportunities with a microscopic 0.54 ERA.
Bullpen Strategy: Britton excels as a high-leverage reliever with exceptional sinker velocity and movement that generates ground balls at an elite rate.
Pitch Mix Analysis: His sinker features dramatic arm-side run that can neutralize both right and left-handed power hitters in critical situations.
Clutch Situations: Deploy Britton in tie games or when protecting one-run leads where his ground ball tendency can produce double plays to escape jams.
Common Error: Many players overuse Britton in non-save situations, diminishing his effectiveness during crucial late-game moments. Reserve him for highest-leverage scenarios to maximize impact.
Understanding how these Spring Cleanup bosses interact with current gameplay metas is crucial for maximizing their value. Each card offers specific attributes that can counter popular strategies while addressing common team construction weaknesses.
Meta Countering Approach: Justice and Mathews provide direct counters to the current right-handed pitching dominance, while Seaver offers stability against power-heavy lineups.
Investment Opportunities: Program bosses typically maintain value better than other card types due to collection requirements. Consider holding duplicates for future exchanges or selling during program expiration when prices often spike.
Long-term Value Assessment: While newer cards will eventually surpass these 93-overall ratings, their historical significance and collection importance ensure lasting relevance in your Diamond Dynasty portfolio.
Team Synergy Considerations: Pair Justice with contact hitters ahead of him to maximize RBI opportunities, while Britton works best behind ground ball-inducing starters.
Action Checklist
- Complete Spring Showers Conquest Map within first week for maximum XP efficiency
- Prioritize Bosses Band Event wins for quick 2,000 XP bonuses
- Evaluate team needs before selecting first boss pack – focus on biggest weaknesses
- Complete player moments and missions daily to maintain steady XP progression
- Monitor marketplace prices for duplicate bosses – sell during peak demand periods
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » MLB The Show 22 Spring Cleanup: Which Bosses Are Best? Complete guide to MLB The Show 22 Spring Cleanup program bosses with strategies and team-building tips
