MLB The Show 26 Multiplayer 3 Program Rewards unlocking guide: How to get the new Dragon Fire item before June?

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• How to build a God-tier Squad with Zero Stubs in MLB The Show 26?

  Is it possible to build a super-strong lineup for current MLB The Show 26 without spending stubs? Players, have you ever wondered about this? Well, let me tell you directly, it's possible!

  Even low-budget or free-to-play players can have a super-strong lineup, covering multiple options including batting lineup, starting rotation, and bullpen. Let's take a look at which player cards are available!

  Catchers

  Here, we can choose free or low-cost top-tier player cards.

  Players can obtain Victor Martinez through Weekend Classic rewards. He's considered one of the top three catchers in the entire game. His market price is only 10-18K MLB 26 stubs, making him extremely cost-effective.

  He has two free alternative players. First is Brandon Belt, an ambidextrous player with very solid defense, although his swing is slightly lacking.

  Next is Ben Rice, who can fill in as a catcher. He has an excellent swing and good traits, can be obtained for free through events, and performs well even on Legendary difficulty.

  

  First Baseman

  The first baseman position also offers top-tier options with near-fast-selling prices.

  Eddie Murray can be unlocked for just 4k stubs. He's one of the most popular first basemen among many players. He boasts a .382 batting average in 89 at-bats, with excellent contact and power on both sides. His swing is smooth, and his defense is solid.

  Ben Rice can still be considered a free alternative to Eddie Murray, as he can also play first base.

  Second Baseman

  We can obtain excellent second baseman cards for free through April Spotlight Program.

  Kevin McGonigle is one such card obtained for free through Spotlight Program. He has solid contact on both sides, adequate power, an excellent swing, and good traits like Dead Red and Breaking Ball Hitter.

  If your budget allows, then Jimmy Rollins can play second, third, range, and center field. He has good speed and defense, and possesses Breaking Ball Hitter, costing around 45-50K stubs, making him a good choice. He's also a reward from Cityscapes Collection.

  Shortstop

  The shortstop position has some absolutely free top-tier player cards.

  Also from April Spotlight Program, the free card Elly De La Cruz is widely recognized as an excellent player. With speed and fielding mods, he has 88 speed and 95 steal, with outstanding defensive animations. He has excellent contact and power on both sides, a great swing, and traits like Dead Red.

  Another free card released this week is Bobby Witt Jr. He has good contact on both sides and his defense is also quite good. He can play shortstop, third base, and even second base. This player's attributes and performance usually far exceed his stats.

  Third Baseman

  You can directly use Bobby Witt Jr., as he is perfectly capable of playing third base.

  Alternative players include Max Muncy, who requires around 20K stubs. Carlos Correa is also an option, but his strike zone is a bit high. Josh Jung is only good on one side, but his unilateral power is amazing: 106 Contact and 112 Clutch.

  Left Fielder

  Ian Happ is irreplaceable for this position. Obtained for free through Cityscapes Collection, he is arguably one of the strongest cards in the entire game.

  He is ambidextrous, with excellent Contact and Power on both sides, and possesses Dead Red and Breaking Ball Hitter abilities. If you add a speed mod, his speed can reach 99, allowing him to play almost any position infield or outfield. He must be in your lineup.

  Center Field

  Mike Trout is a free card from April Spotlight Program. He boasts one of the best swings in the game, with an extreme pull-hitting tendency and powerful swing. With speed and fielding mods, he can anchor center field and performs consistently year after year.

  Right Field

  Kris Bryant comes from Jackie Robinson Day free event. While his left-handed contact is slightly low, this can be improved with mods, and his swing and characteristics are excellent.

  Defensively adequate, he can play outfield or third base. For players playing on All-Star or other veteran difficulty levels, the vision attribute has little impact. Overall, this card is incredibly strong.

  Starting Pitcher Rotation

  Here we can be a little more extravagant, but there are still free and low-cost options available.

  First, there's Noah Schultz, who costs approximately 15-17K stubs. He's extremely difficult to deal with on higher difficulties, and opponents have a hard time reading his release point. He can also be obtained for free through events.

  Next up is Emerson Hancock, requiring approximately 12-14k stubs. His unusual pitching mechanics and release point make him difficult for opponents to adapt to on lower difficulties.

  A free option is Parker Messick. A left-handed pitcher with equally unusual mechanics and a wide variety of pitches, he's quite a headache for opponents.

  The most expensive player in this recommendation is Sandy Alcantara, requiring approximately 46k stubs. He performs well on all difficulties. Although slightly expensive, he's well worth it.

  Bullpen Pitchers

  For bullpen, we mainly focus on unusual release points and speed differences. Most cards are free or very inexpensive.

  Although Louis Varland has low stats for right-handed pitchers in nine innings, he has a high nine-innings and strikeout potential against left-handed pitchers. With many ambidextrous hitters in the game, he's quite valuable.

  Jolt Darren O'Day is inexpensive and can be obtained for free through Team Affinity. Unfamiliar opponents can easily struggle against him.

  Finally, an excellent free player card is Jolt Eric Gagne. A 99mph fastball paired with a 68mph curveball will absolutely devastate your opponent.

  These lineups mainly come from various free events and are strong enough to compete against most teams, making them perfect for beginners or players who don't want to spend stubs. Good luck with your game!

• DON'T Build Your Lineup Before Watching This: MLB The Show 26 Outfielders Tier List Revealed!

  With the release of MLB The Show 26, outfield player ratings have undergone new changes.

  Today, I'm bringing you a brand-new tier list of outfield players, covering dozens of active outfielders, ranging from S-tier to C-tier. This list contains some subjective elements and is for reference only.

  Hopefully, this ranking will help you better build your team or find your next goal. Below is the complete ranking.

  S-Tier

  The main outfielders rated S-tier in MLB The Show 26 are:

  • 1. Albert Pujols
  • 2. Ian Happ
  • 3. Mickey Mantle
  • 4. Mike Trout
  • 5. Carlos Beltran

  Albert Pujols

  Among S-tier players in MLB The Show 26, Albert Pujols is arguably the most consistent mainstay - his batting face is textbook accurate, making him suitable for both left and right outfield - hence, he is highly praised by almost all online player reviews. His Speed is around 70, Reaction around 80, and Arm Strength around 80. While not a top-tier defender, he's very solid.

  Ian Happ

  You might be surprised to see Ian Happ ranked S, but this all-around player has the ability to achieve that. He's a true jack-of-all-trades, capable of playing multiple positions, and he won't falter no matter where you put him.

  Mickey Mantle

  Mickey Mantle has an amazing reputation as a powerful center fielder. His speed is incredibly high at 94, and his Arm Strength is overwhelmingly good. While his Swing isn't the best in the world, it's certainly not a liability, making him a true all-around player.

  Mike Trout

  Mike Trout is widely considered the strongest active world-class baseball player in the world, and he's one of the most coveted ultimate cards in MLB The Show 26. This card is currently the strongest outfielder, but his defensive weaknesses are amplified in center field, so you're best suited to placing him in either left or right field.

  If you want this top-tier outfielder, you'll need to spend a lot of Stubs. If you lack Stubs, you can directly buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs from IGGM; we offer the fairest prices and fastest service.

  Carlos Beltran

  Carlos Beltran's speed makes him almost impossible for opponents to bypass in MLB The Show 26, making him a truly deserving S-tier outfielder. His only weakness is his right-handed pitching power of only 68, which slightly diminishes his hitting ability. However, you can obtain this S-tier player for free by completing in-game missions, so what more can we ask for?

  A-Tier

  A-tier players in MLB The Show 26 are typically players who are very strong in one area but have certain weaknesses. They include:

  • 1. Kris Bryant
  • 2. Cody Bellinger
  • 3. Christian Yelich
  • 4. Bryan Reynolds
  • 5. Ken Griffey Jr.

  Kris Bryant

  Kris Bryant is considered by many players to be the epitome of a "golden balanced outfielder" - his swing is smooth and silky, and his passes are reassuring. However, his reaction time is occasionally slow, so it's not recommended to place him in center field, but he can be placed in the corner.

  Cody Bellinger

  Cody Bellinger was previously a candidate for S-tier in MLB. In MLB The Show 26, although he was relegated to A-tier due to a decline in speed, he remains a representative of offensive outfielders.

  Christian Yelich

  Christian Yelich's batting statistics are undeniable, but not every player likes his feel and hidden stats. Those who love him adore him, while those who dislike him hate him.

  Bryan Reynolds

  Bryan Reynolds is rated A-tier primarily because he is the only A-tier outfielder in MLB The Show 26 who can play both left and right field. Although his stats aren't as outstanding as other outfielders, his versatility is his biggest advantage.

  Ken Griffey Jr.

  This player is highly controversial: his speed is only around 75, he's not particularly good at defense, but his swing is excellent. Most importantly, his price is incredibly high; you'd need to spend around $250,000 MLB The Show 26 Stubs to acquire him. Therefore, he's classified as A-level player.

  B and C-level players

  MLB The Show 26's B and C-level players are playable, but either have obvious flaws or require specific conditions to perform well. Therefore, only a brief list is provided here:

  • 1. Mookie Betts
  • 2. Don Baylor
  • 3. Mickey Moniak
  • 4. Aaron Judge
  • 5. Curtis Granderson

  Mookie Betts

  Mookie Betts has decent hitting ability, but his defensive stats are laughable: slow speed, sluggish jump, and poor passing power. However, if you like his hitting, you can still use him.

  Don Baylor

  Don Baylor has good speed, balanced hitting stats against both left and right pitchers, and his defense isn't the worst, making him a versatile player.

  Mickey Moniak

  Mickey Moniak's stats are good except for his 75-78 batting average against left-handed pitchers. Most importantly, his card is free to obtain.

  Aaron Judge

  Aaron Judge's strength is his power hitting ability, but his batting average in MLB The Show 26 is low. In other words, while he has great power, his ability to hit is questionable.

  Curtis Granderson

  Curtis Granderson is very strong against right-handed pitchers, but becomes easy prey against left-handed pitchers. Therefore, you can only place him in a fixed position.

  The above is a ranking of the outfielders in MLB The Show 26. The rankings within the same tier are not in any particular order. Again, this ranking has some subjective factors and is for reference only. Hope this helps.

• MLB The Show 26 Weekend Classic 2 Pitcher Tier List | Why Randy Johnson Reigns Supreme?

  Guys, MLB The Show 26 Weekend Classic 2 is underway, featuring two brand-new Weekend Classic Choice Pack rewards. However, to earn these rewards, you'll need to perform at your best in the game, ideally by first securing the best possible roster. Today, we're bringing you pitcher rankings to help you determine if they're worth using in Weekend Classic 2:

  • Tier S: Randy Johnson, Felix Hernandez, Kenley Jansen
  • Tier A: Ryan Helsley, Clayton Kershaw, Noah Schultz, John Franco
  • Tier B: Paul Skenes, Aroldis Chapman, Jacob deGrom, Mason Miller
  • Tier C: Tyler Rogers, J.R. Richard, Satchel Paige, Parker Messick 
  • Tier D: Justin Verlander, Craig Kimbrel, Ryan Weathers, Mark Davis

  Note that these rankings are based on a combination of actual pitching ability and the challenging environment, not just overall rating or rarity.

  

  Tier S

  Players in Tier S are practically invincible; if you have them, you're truly lucky.

  Randy Johnson

  Starting pitcher. Huge speed difference, with a Fastball and Splitter speed difference of over 15 mph. Surprisingly excellent control, even better than in previous years. Still one of the top left-handed starting pitchers in the game.

  Felix Hernandez

  Felix Hernandez possesses an Outlier, slider, and circle change, almost an upgraded version of Ryan Helsley. His control is a bit floaty, but his ball-handling skills are too strong, making his pressure output top-tier.

  Kenley Jansen

  One of the strongest right-handed bullpen players. His cutter is extremely accurate, and he possesses a Sinker and Circle Change. His Sweeper can be used for chase pitches. Better control than Felix Hernandez, a consistent closer.

  Tier A

  While Tier A players may not be as outstanding as Tier S players, they are still the mainstream first-choice players.

  Ryan Helsley

  As the only bullpen pitcher to possess outliers, fastballs, and cutters simultaneously, Ryan Helsley's release point is unpredictable, and his dominance is consistently strong, making him one of the most unique right-handed pitching options currently available.

  Clayton Kershaw

  Starting pitcher. Clayton Kershaw is very strong on Hall of Fame and higher difficulty levels, but lacks speed on All-Star difficulty levels, making him vulnerable to being hit. However, many top players still favor him.

  Noah Schultz

  Also, a starting pitcher. His release point is extremely unpredictable, and his control is inconsistent. On All-Star difficulty levels, he is surprisingly effective against lower-to-mid-level players, easily causing swings and misses.

  John Franco

  A bullpen player. A consistent left-handed long reliever, suitable for winning two innings when leading by 3-4 runs. He tends to explode against skilled opponents, but overall remains consistent.

  Tier B

  You can certainly use the players here, but they are not best considered your first choice, as they all have noticeable weaknesses.

  Paul Skenes

  His ball combinations are poor. Although there's been a slight improvement, he's still not highly recommended overall.

  Aroldis Chapman

  He lacks an Outlier and four-seam fastballs, and isn't currently very strong.

  Jacob deGrom

  Jacob deGrom is a relatively easy player to play against. Not recommended for active use.

  Mason Miller

  He has an Outlier and powerful ability to drop the ball. However, his ball control is extremely poor; even a perfect release might land on the edge of the strike zone, making him very reliant on luck and inconsistent.

  Tier C

  Tier C players generally have significant weaknesses, so players should choose carefully.

  Tyler Rogers

  Somewhat more effective against those who cheat by reading pitch trajectories. Tyler Rogers must be paired with white shorts to make the ball harder to spot. His effectiveness against normal players is average.

  J.R. Richard

  Far left-handed pitchers, J.R. Richard can currently only throw sliders; skilled players can simply ignore him.

  Satchel Paige

  Not only does he lack an Outlier, but his ball combinations don't complement each other.

  Parker Messick

  His maximum pitch speed is only 95 mph, suitable only for players with extremely limited MLB 26 stubs as a transitional option.

  Tier D

  So, for the final Tier D players, try to avoid them.

  Justin Verlander

  Justin Verlander not only lacks speed, but his overall rating is also very low. There's little reason to choose him.

  Craig Kimbrel

  This is a completely unreliable player; playing him might have terrible consequences. Anyone else is better.

  Ryan Weathers

  A free, high-rated trap card, but actually really bad; you'll know once you use it.

  Mark Davis

  His pitches don't complement each other, he doesn't have a Sinker, and every pitch he throws is decent but not threatening.

  Key Combinations

  The Only Cheat Countermeasure: Tyler Rogers + White Shorts

  If you encounter an opponent who is obviously cheating and can read the ball's trajectory, remember to switch to Tyler Rogers and make your shorts pure white.

  Because of the white shorts, combined with Tyler Rogers' low release point and unpredictable shooting motion, it will make it extremely difficult for the opponent to see the ball's spin, significantly weakening their ability to read the ball. Although this will make your jersey look worse, it's worth it for winning.

  The Most Powerful Bullpen Combinations

  • Right-handed pitchers: Kenley Jansen (controller) + Felix Hernandez (pure pressure)
  • Left-handed pitchers: Ryan Helsley (with Outlier and Cutter) + John Franco

  If you can only remember one name, it has to be Randy Johnson. He will definitely make your Weekend Classic 2 a success.

• MLB The Show 26 Bobby Witt Jr. Takeover Program Guide | How to Easily Complete the Chain of Missions?

  MLB The Show 26 has just launched the new Bobby Witt Jr. Takeover Program, giving players a chance to earn a free 93 OVR Cover Athletes card featuring Bobby Witt Jr. by completing a set of objectives. There are also free team-themed items available in the in-game store.

  Although this is a relatively short Program, the featured reward is quite solid, and some players may not know the fastest way to complete it or how to get the most value from it.

  

  Bobby Witt Jr. Takeover Program Rewards

  The reward track requires a total of 70 Points, distributed as follows:

  • 10 Points: MLB The Show 26 Pack
  • 20 Points: 500 Stubs
  • 30 Points: Bat Skin and 5,000 XP
  • 40 Points: Headliners Pack
  • 50 Points: 5,000 XP
  • 60 Points: MLB The Show 25 Pack
  • 70 Points: 93 OVR Cover Athletes Bobby Witt Jr. and 10,000 XP

  Even though the reward path is short, it still includes several packs and plenty of MLB The Show 26 stubs. More importantly, it offers a total of 20,000 XP, which is extremely valuable for players trying to progress through XP Path quickly.

  How To Complete Bobby Witt Jr. Takeover Program?

  Top Prospect

  These two objectives can be completed at the same time and are very straightforward:

  • Earn 7,000 Parallel XP (10 Points)

  Accumulate 7,000 Parallel XP using any players in any mode, including Ranked Seasons, Play vs CPU, and more.

  • Record 60 Total Bases (10 Points)

  Use any players to accumulate 60 Total Bases.

  After finishing both objectives, you will earn 20 Points, 500 Stubs, and one The Show Pack.

  Career Highlights

  This section is the core of Program. The objectives unlock sequentially, meaning you must complete the previous mission before the next one becomes visible. Make sure to keep track of your current objective.

  Mission 1: Record 15 Hits

  • Objective: Get 15 Hits using any players
  • Reward: 10 Points and unlocks the next stage

  Mission 2: Score 11 Runs

  • Objective: Score 11 Runs
  • Reward: 10 Points and unlocks the next stage

  Mission 3: Hit 3 Home Runs

  • Objective: Record 3 Home Runs
  • Reward: 10 Points and unlocks the next stage

  Mission 4: Record 4 Extra Base Hits

  • Objective: Get 4 Extra Base Hits with four different players
  • Reward: 10 Points and unlocks the next stage

  Mission 5: Steal 3 Bases

  • Objective: Record 3 Stolen Bases. You can face weaker teams such as Colorado Rockies, get fast players on base, and steal from there.
  • Reward: 10 Points

  One important note: during Mission 2, many players are misled by the wording and mistakenly think they need to hit 11 triples. That is incorrect. You only need to score 11 runs.

  You can complete all of these objectives very quickly on Rookie difficulty against the CPU. Eligible modes include Ranked Seasons, Co-Op, Weekend Classic, Play vs CPU, Mini Seasons, Conquest, Diamond Quest, and more. Simply choose whichever mode you enjoy most.

  93 OVR Cover Athletes Bobby Witt Jr. SS (3B)

  Hitting

  Project	Stats
  Contact Right	90
  Contact Left	92
  Power Right	75
  Power Left	70
  Vision	74
  Discipline:	49
  Clutch	100
  Bunt	35
  Drag Bunt	25
  Durability	99

  Fielding

  Project	Stats
  Fielding	90
  Arm Strength	78
  Arm Accuracy	87
  Reaction Left:	55
  Reaction Right	90
  Reaction Forward:	83
  Reaction Back	74

  Speed

  Project	Stats
  Speed	99
  Stealing	99

  This card has strong Contact ratings against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, elite Clutch, and solid Vision. While the Power numbers are not top-tier, Bobby Witt Jr. still has enough pop to send the ball over the wall consistently.

  The true standout features are the maxed-out 99 Speed and 99 Stealing attributes. If you enjoy using Drag Bunts or standard bunt strategies, this card is one of the best options available. It also comes with 8 Quirks.

  Cover Athletes Bobby Witt Jr. is strong enough to compete directly with his Live Series version. Several attributes are already very close, and after a few Parallel upgrades, this card could arguably become even better.

  Since Live Series ratings can fluctuate over time, any downgrade to Bobby Witt Jr.'s Live Series card would immediately make this version even more valuable and more appealing to use.

  Besides its striking card design, Bobby Witt Jr. was the second overall pick in 2019 MLB draft, he was even ranked No.1 among the top 100 rookies before the 2022 season, making this card a great collector's item as well.

  3rd Inning XP Path

  The new 3rd Inning XP Path is about to arrive. You can save the 20,000 XP from this Program and claim it tomorrow instead, allowing it to go directly toward the new progression path. That is a very tempting option.

  The current 2nd Inning XP Path already requires a massive amount of XP to reach the final Boss Pack, and the rewards in the upcoming path appear even more worthwhile.

  Overall, this Program is very easy to complete. Simply finish Top Prospect objectives first, then continue playing normally to unlock everything else naturally. If you have already completed 2nd Inning XP Path, it is highly recommended to save XP and use it toward the upcoming 3rd Inning Program instead.

• MLB The Show 26 April Spotlight Drop 5 is the program you must complete to unlock Chipper Jones and Ben Rice!

  As we head into May, MLB The Show 26 April Spotlight series concludes with the release of Drop 5 program. This release also signifies the arrival of the final player card, Ben Rice, needed to complete April Lightning Collection.

  We have previously introduced you to the full roster required to complete this collection, as well as the value of the ultimate collection reward: Elly De La Cruz.

  Given that April Spotlight Drop 5 is the final program in the series, and having just launched recently, you may not yet know exactly how to complete it to acquire Ben Rice. The following are the specific guidelines we provide.

  

  April Spotlight Drop 5 duration

  This MLB 26 program went live on May 5th. While an official end date has not yet been announced, most other April Spotlight Drop programs have lasted for approximately one week, so that serves as a good benchmark to keep in mind.

  However, regardless of exactly when it ends, it is highly recommended that you complete it as soon as possible. This ensures you don’t miss out on the final Ben Rice player card and by extension, the ultimate reward for completing April Lightning Collection.

  How to complete this program?

  The primary sources for earning XP in April Spotlight Drop 5 include completing Missions, Moments, and Collections; typically, the first two are the focus.

  To unlock all available rewards, you need to earn a total of 100 Program XP. Since the combined XP offered by all available challenges exceeds 200, you have the flexibility to prioritize and complete the specific challenges you excel at within the given scope.

  Missions:

  Mission	Program XP
  Earn 10,000 Parallel XP with any player	20 Program XP
  Earn 2,500 Parallel XP with Spotlight and/or Topps Now Series players	20 Program XP
  Record 20 Hits with any primary position Infielders	15 Program XP
  Record 30 Bases with any primary position Outfielders	15 Program XP
  Record Pitch 15 Innings with any pitchers	15 Program XP
  Record 12 Strikeouts with any RP or CP	15 Program XP

  Moments:

  Moment	Program XP
  Schneemann Strikes	5 Program XP
  Jung at Heart	5 Program XP
  Abrams Accelerator	5 Program XP
  Justin Time	5 Program XP
  Shea It Loud	5 Program XP
  Rice Cooker	5 Program XP
  Your April Lightning Player Is...	5 Program XP
  Boston Barrage (Optional Extreme)	35 Program XP

  Collections:

  Collection	Program XP
  Collect Spotlight Pack Players (Optional)	100 Program XP
  April Lightning	1 Program XP
  April Retro Lightning	1 Program XP

  What rewards are available?

  April Spotlight Drop 5 reward path contains 10 items (or XP rewards), with one unlocked for every 10 Program XP earned:

  Program XP	Reward
  10 Program XP	Samuel Basallo
  20 Program XP	Spencer Torkelson
  30 Program XP	Daniel Schneemann
  40 Program XP	Josh Jung
  50 Program XP	15,000 Game XP
  60 Program XP	Justin Wrobleski
  70 Program XP	CJ Abrams
  80 Program XP	Shea Langeliers
  90 Program XP	April Spotlight Monthly Pack
  100 Program XP	Ben Rice

  Why complete this program?

  First, as the reward path indicates, it includes many guaranteed player cards. If you find a player you like, or one that fills a vacancy in your lineup, that’s even better!

  Additionally, April Spotlight Monthly Pack reward offers a chance to pull the player cards needed to complete another collection: April Retro Lightning.

  Completing that collection unlocks the ultimate reward: Chipper Jones. With an impressive OVR of 94, currently ranking 6th among all third basemen, this player’s exceptional power-hitting ability is sure to deliver spectacular results for your lineup.

  How to complete April Retro Lightning Collection?

  This collection consists of 18 cards; however, you only need to acquire 16 of them to unlock Chipper Jones. Additionally, collecting 5 and 10 cards, respectively, will earn you a 1 April Spotlight Player Pack and José Soriano as bonus rewards.

  The cards required for April Retro Lightning Collection are obtained randomly from the packs awarded during April Spotlight Drops 1 through 5. Drop 5, specifically, may yield the following players:

  • Chase Dollander
  • Ildemaro Vargas
  • Matt Olson
  • Andy Pages
  • Jordan Walker
  • Xavier Edwards
  • Bryce Elder
  • Liam Hicks
  • Louis Varland
  • Moisés Ballesteros

  Additional tips

  In addition to April Spotlight Drop 5 and the two collections mentioned in this guide, there is currently another active program in MLB 26: April Showcase Event. This event is set to conclude on May 8th (having started on the 1st).

  The key value of this program lies in its rewards: the first four of the five available rewards correspond to April Spotlight Weeks 1 through 4.

  This means that even if you missed the previous four April Spotlight Drop programs, you still have an opportunity to acquire the cards found within their respective reward packs, thereby helping you complete April Retro Lightning Collection.

  That covers everything you need to know about completing April Spotlight Drop 5, as well as all other major, recent MLB 26 events associated with it. In short, your main objective right now should be to act fast and complete as many programs and collections as possible!

  ---

  If you happened to miss any of the programs mentioned here, or simply didn’t manage to pull the necessary collection cards from packs in time, you can still buy MLB 26 stubs on IGGM to acquire them before the collection period ends!

  We consistently provide secure stub services with guaranteed fast delivery, allowing you to instantly boost your stub balance whenever and wherever you need it, so you can unlock any coveted card you desire on the marketplace!

• MLB The Show 26 April Spotlight Speedrun Guide | 0 Stubs to Get Elly De La Cruz

  Players, MLB The Show 26 has just released new April Spotlight content, adding some more enticing player cards. Let's take a look at how to acquire these cards and explore the most efficient methods.

  Core Rewards Overview

  First, let's look at what rewards are available this time, assess the required cost, and roughly evaluate whether the returns are worthwhile.

  Rewards	Acquisition Conditions	Estimated Cost	Must-Have
  Elly De La Cruz (SS)	complete April Spotlight	0 stubs	Must-Have
  Ben Rice (1B/C)	Final April Spotlight Reward	0 stubs	Recommended
  José Siri (SP)	Collect 10 Spotlight Cards	Approx. 100,000-140,000 stubs	High Cost-Effectiveness
  Chipper Jones (3B)	Collect 16 Spotlight Cards	Approx. 200,000-250,000+ stubs	Strongly Recommend Waiting and Waiting

  Fastest Path to Elly De La Cruz

  If you've been following the weekly April Spotlight, you only need to complete Ben Rice-related tasks; early progress is basically automatic.

  

  If you've never followed the progress, you'll need to speedrun in a certain order.

  First, complete Moments; this is where you can get up to 35 stars the fastest. However, it's best to skip Extreme Moments because they are time-consuming and offer very low rewards, which can easily lead to player frustration.

  Next, you'll use player experience missions to farm stars. Playing games with Spotlight players will earn you 20 to 55 stars. Continue completing other smaller missions until you accumulate 85 stars.

  For the final 15 stars, you can choose to play against CPU on Rookie difficulty, racking up 20 hits in a single game in the smallest stadium–this only takes six innings.

  Alternatively, you can choose to use a relief pitcher to strike out 12 players in a single game on Rookie difficulty. Remember to rotate pitches to avoid fatigue.

  You can also participate in events on All-Star difficulty. This will earn you player experience and also complete April Showcase Event Program, earning you Spotlight packs. There's a chance to directly unlock high-value players, saving you a significant amount of MLB 26 stubs.

  Ben Rice

  Ben Rice is also a free card and cannot be traded, making him a must-have. He will be a huge boost for players with weak first base and catcher depth.

  Let's take a look at some of his attributes and stats.

  Ben Rice possesses Breaking Ball Hitter, Rally Monkey, and Dead Red, making his skills quite impressive. However, his Vision is relatively low, around 53, which may suppress him on All-Star or higher difficulties. Therefore, if you want to use him, choose a difficulty below All-Star, or when grinding offline.

  His left and right contact are both over 90, and his left and right strength are around 100. Both are excellent levels.

  Chipper Jones and José Siri

  Note that this time, you need to collect 16 Spotlight cards to be eligible to redeem Chipper Jones, whereas Retro Lightning has never required so many. The threshold has been significantly raised this time.

  If none of these 16 cards are free, we can estimate that the approximate cost of collecting them will be around 180K stubs, plus a 5-10% market fluctuation.

  There are actually ways to reduce costs, such as April Spotlight Program, which gives a Spotlight Pack that guarantees a 90+ card, and Event Program, which gives two Spotlight Packs.

  Daily and weekly challenges may drop extra cards, potentially saving you 40,000 to 70,000 stubs if you're lucky, but you'll still be short at least 120,000 stubs. Therefore, we need a smarter approach.

  The first step is to acquire José Siri. He only requires collecting 10 Spotlight cards, costing 100,000 to 140,000 stubs to unlock. Collecting just one free April Spotlight pack can recoup 5,000 to 25,000 stubs.

  Next, you'll need to wait 2-3 weeks before deciding whether to get Chipper Jones. The price is probably to drop because of the new card packs, and more free Spotlight Packs will be available, potentially offering better alternatives.

  However, the main reason for not recommending acquiring Chipper Jones now is his attribute stats. His left and right strength are very similar to Ildemaro Vargas, and Ildemaro Vargas is even stronger against left-handed pitchers, making him a free replacement for Chipper Jones. This comparison makes Chipper Jones seem like a poor value proposition.

  By mid-game in May or June, cards with similar attributes will become abundant.

  General Tips for Quickly Acquiring Spotlight Players

  Every week, Spotlight gives out an April Spotlight Pack, which guarantees a 90+ player. Event Program also gives Drop Packs, offering a chance to obtain high-value 93+ player cards. It's recommended to sell these immediately for stubs to strengthen your Live Series.

  The fastest way to farm XP is to enter Legend or GOAT difficulty and play against CPU, focusing on batting averages and strikeouts. This is extremely efficient and also completes Spotlight player XP.

  Remember, not all Spotlight players are worth collecting. You can collect only the cheaper cards to complete missions and sell the expensive ones.

  Elly De La Cruz is a no-brainer, free and useful. José Siri is also very cost-effective and worth prioritizing. Chipper Jones is severely overpriced. Aside from Ildemaro Vargas, April Spotlight pool lacks impressive players; it's recommended to wait for price drops or rely on luck with packs.

  Hurry up and complete the missions in MLB 26 to collect cards!