MLB The Show 26 Mini Seasons tricks help you earn Stubs and other rewards more easily and efficiently!

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• MLB The Show 26 Free Trial Hits Switch from April 23 to 29 | Here's why you should clear 25 GB right now

  Have you been holding off on stepping into the batter's box for MLB The Show 26 because the near seventy-dollar commitment feels a bit steep? If you're a Switch owner, there's some welcome news headed your way.

  MLB The Show 26 is currently available at a reduced rate on Switch platform and, more importantly, is hosting a roughly week-long free trial period. Every ounce of progress you make during this trial is carried over to the full experience. So how does it actually hold up on Nintendo's hardware, and is it worth clearing space on your microSD card to give it a swing?

  

  Free Trial Dates

  The digital version of MLB The Show 26 is featured in a limited-time promotion. Those who secure the game for their library right now will benefit from a 25% reduction off the standard listing. If you happen to be a Nintendo Switch Online member, you can take the diamond for a test run before deciding whether to commit.

  The free trial will run from 10:00 AM PT on April 23 to 11:59 PM PT on April 29 (1:00 PM ET on April 23 to 2:59 AM ET on April 30). Note that the promotion will end before the free trial closes, so please don't miss it.

  Storage Footprint

  The store listing for MLB The Show 26 suggests you'll need 28 GB of free space. However, once the base installation is complete and the latest update is applied, the actual footprint on your system settles in at a leaner 24.7 GB. That figure is even a hair smaller than last year's MLB The Show 25 (which took up 25.5 GB).

  Core Modes

  World Baseball Classic

  Plenty of players have reported feeling a bit lost trying to locate World Baseball Classic mode on the main menu. Take note: it doesn't have its own standalone tile. You'll find it tucked away inside Diamond Dynasty.

  Here's the path:

  • Enter Diamond Dynasty.
  • Complete the setup of your custom squad, uniform creation, and initial player card collection.
  • Navigate to Play menu.
  • Look under Single Player modes for Mini Seasons. That is where WBC experience lives.

  One important quirk to keep in mind: When you opt into WBC tournament, the game will slot your created team into one of the real-world groups (A, B, C, or D). This effectively replaces one of the actual national teams in that pool. Make sure you're comfortable with this arrangement so you don't accidentally overwrite a club you'd rather keep in the mix.

  March to October

  The dedicated March to October mode has been retired in MLB 26. The development team has folded its signature key moment mechanics directly into Franchise mode instead. While managing your ballclub over a full season, you aren't just limited to playing complete nine-inning contests. You can now use Custom Entry feature to set the leverage of the situation and which inning you want to jump into.

  The simulation engine will intelligently bypass the dull blowouts and drop you right into the high-stakes pressure cooker - runners in scoring position, late-game ties, you name it. Of course, if you'd rather manage every pitch of every frame, Full Game option remains readily available.

  Daily Lineup

  Daily Lineup feature syncs directly with the actual, real-world MLB starting rosters and schedule for that day. If you want to run a simulation or take the sticks with the exact arms and bats taking the field that afternoon, you can jump right into today's authentic matchup.

  

  New Additions to the Toolbox

  Challenge Calls

  The real-world MLB Challenge Calls system makes its debut. You can contest a call on a ball/strike or a close play on the bases. Crucial Strategy Note: You only get two challenges per contest. Blow them early on ticky-tack pitches and you'll be kicking yourself in the ninth inning when a blown call at the plate costs you the game.

  Pitcher Pressure Mechanic

  In high-leverage moments (bases loaded, final outs of a tight game), your hurler will enter a state of heightened tension. When this kicks in, you can activate a slow-motion targeting aid to help you paint the corners more precisely. This isn't a bottomless resource; it must be built up through strong performance.

  Pitching Control Wheel

  Tapping a designated button while on the mound now brings up a new Wheel Menu, granting quick access to:

  • Batter Analyst
  • Substitution
  • Bullpen: Manage warm-up pitches without diving through clunky submenus.
  • Mound Visits
  • Player Card: Check current batter-pitcher matchup stats on the fly.

  PitchCom Audio Cues

  The game integrates the actual PitchCom system used in the big leagues, where the catcher relays signs electronically. If you prefer silence or find the audio cues distracting, you can disable the catcher's voice by navigating to: Settings > User Settings > Audio > Pitching Delivery Audio (PitchCom) Toggle this to Visual Only or Off.

  Performance on Switch

  MLB The Show 26 runs on both the original Switch hardware and Switch 2. It's worth noting there isn't a bespoke, native version crafted exclusively for the newer console; Switch 2 runs the title via backward compatibility. The gap between the two experiences isn't night and day, though Switch 2 does pull ahead thanks to its extra horsepower.

  MLB 26 targets 720p resolution on Switch. Compared to the experience on Switch 2, loading speeds are slightly slower on the older model, but still within acceptable limits. Regardless of the model, the core mechanics of hitting and throwing remain smooth and don't affect the core gameplay experience.

  The most obvious shortcoming on the launch-model Switch is a visible frame rate dip during transitional animations - cutscenes of a batter walking to the box or a celebration after a big strikeout. This is an ongoing limitation tied to the original hardware's memory bandwidth and is par for the course with this series on the aging platform.

  If you're playing on Switch 2, the game benefits from increased memory headroom and can run at 1080p when docked. More importantly, those pesky frame drops during cutscenes smooth out significantly.

  When stacked up against MLB The Show 25, there isn't a massive graphical leap on the older Switch hardware. The differences you'll notice are rooted almost entirely in the new gameplay mechanics and updated rulebook rather than a visual makeover.

  Should You Step In on an Older Switch?

  MLB The Show 26 provides series fans with the core gameplay and rich modes they've been waiting for. The subtle adjustments haven't disrupted the game's smooth feel, and the new content brings a fresh experience. However, it's undeniable that the game's visuals have stagnated since its 2022 release on Switch.

  While Switch 2 offers a smoother frame rate experience, it doesn't mask the disappointment of not having a native version developed for the new console. If you're only looking to update the player roster and experience the new Black League storyline, don't miss this discount.

• MLB The Show 26 May 8 Ratings Update Will Bring Major Stubs Accumulation Window | Here is exactly where to park your stubs

  As May 8 draws closer, the game is set to receive its first major roster refresh. This update isn't just about shifting player ratings - it's a prime opportunity for the market to reset and for savvy players to generate a substantial influx of stubs.

  Following this initial wave, updates are expected to accelerate to roughly once every three to five weeks. Positioning your collection strategically ahead of the refresh can help shield your roster from value erosion and may even allow your Stub reserves to expand.

  

  May 8th Update

  Newcomers might wonder why May 8th update carries such weight. First, understand that in MLB 26, Live Series player ratings and attributes are not fixed. The developers adjust them to mirror real-world performance, and May 8th marks a significant recalibration of player data across the board.

  With that in mind, your investment strategy should center on securing Gold and Diamond cards poised for a ratings boost. For certain breakout candidates, employing an over-holding strategy could yield even greater returns.

  While Diamond cards often steal the spotlight, don't overlook the potential of Silver cards. When handled correctly, Silver cards can produce six-figure Stub profits with minimal initial outlay. Let's examine where these opportunities may originate.

  Diamond Cards

  Several Diamond cards currently rated 87 overall run the risk of dipping to their Quick Sell floor. Paradoxically, this scenario can create an attractive entry point for those looking to accumulate inventory. Some are eyeing 88 OVR Yordan Alvarez, wondering if a surge past the 90 overall threshold might increase his scarcity in packs. This particular move carries elevated risk, so you may consider waiting until his valuation softens further before committing.

  86 OVR Tyler Glasnow

  Tyler Glasnow stands out as one of the most compelling Diamond arms on the radar. Internal projections suggest Glasnow's rating could see an increase approaching +3. A conservative estimate places him at an 88 overall post-update, pushing his Quick Sell return to 5,500 stubs. With the current market spread hovering around 1,700 stubs, holding 20 units could translate to roughly 40,000 stubs in net gain. Stockpiling in advance appears to be a near-certain path to a healthy profit.

  90 OVR Corbin Carroll

  Despite maintaining a .300 average and swatting three home runs, Corbin Carroll's bat has cooled recently. With roughly two weeks remaining until the roster lock, he'll need to rediscover his rhythm in short order. The projected adjustment ranges from +1 to +2, though the community largely expects the safer +1 floor. If you're considering adding him to your portfolio, you'll want to monitor his upcoming at-bats closely.

  85 OVR Max Fried

  The jury remains out on Max Fried, whose results have been steady but not spectacular, leaning slightly toward the positive. Given his current basement valuation and the expectation of two more starts in pinstripes before the cutoff, adding him to your holdings carries virtually no downside. He profiles as a stable, low-maintenance flip among pitchers.

  Gold Cards

  Gold cards are the primary workhorses for accumulating MLB The Show 26 stubs during this refresh cycle. If your Stub balance is robust, directing resources toward high-upside Golds is a prudent move.

  High-Potential List

  84 OVR Cristopher Sánchez

  Cristopher Sánchez has allowed his share of hits, but his elite strikeout ability sets him apart. The recent outings present a mixed bag, yet a strikeout tally of 39 is the kind of metric that often leads to a promotion. Even if the jump doesn't materialize immediately, holding him long-term retains strong appeal. Acquiring beyond the usual limit is recommended.

  84 OVR Joe Ryan

  Joe Ryan finds himself in a similar boat to Sánchez. The underlying metrics aren't discouraging, but he hasn't quite hit the threshold for Diamond status just yet. Continuing to add shares or maintaining existing positions while awaiting a dominant outing in his next start is a sound approach.

  83 OVR William Contreras

  His batting average sits at a sturdy .300, and the timing of his recent uptick is favorable. The lone red flag is the low home run count (just two), which caps his odds of vaulting to Diamond at roughly 2%. Expectation points to a modest +1 boost. Holding steady is advised.

  82 OVR Matt Olson

  Matt Olson has caught fire, launching six home runs and lifting his average to .280. His upgrade trajectory could stretch to +2, meaning his post-adjustment value is likely to climb meaningfully. Maintaining a minimum of 20 units is a wise target.

  82 OVR Andy Pages

  Andy Pages boasts a scorching .382 average alongside five home runs - numbers that already scream Diamond caliber. His valuation previously spiked before retracing, so the ideal zone for re-entry hovers around the 1,200 Stub mark. Patience during market fluctuations will be key here.

  81 OVR Elly De La Cruz

  While he may have cooled slightly from his blistering pace, his average and six-homer output remain exceptional by his own baseline. A ratings bump to an 84 overall appears likely. Currently trading near its historical floor, this card presents a strong case for accumulation.

  80 OVR Drew Rasmussen

  Rasmussen's most recent start was unsteady, and the sample size is limited, yet a +2 to +3 overall boost remains within reason. The magnitude of his jump will hinge on how he performs over his next couple of appearances. Collecting now, in modest volume, seems prudent.

  80 OVR Kevin Gausman

  Kevin Gausman appears destined to rebound to an 84 overall. The current market asking is a mere 400 stubs. Acquiring a stack of 20 could effortlessly generate a 30,000 Stub windfall. This is a high-confidence, low-stakes recommendation.

  Proceed with Caution List

  83 OVR Jackson Merrill

  Jackson Merrill's average has plummeted to .221, and the overall profile looks shaky. While the system currently suggests he's safe from a downgrade, tying up significant liquidity in a stagnant asset is rarely ideal. Considering a gradual reduction of exposure may be wise.

  80 OVR Oscar Hernandez

  Oscar Hernandez's real-world production and in-game attributes both register as pedestrian. The community outlook is tepid at best. Reallocating elsewhere before the update appears to be the logical course of action.

  80 OVR Ceddanne Rafaela

  Ceddanne Rafaela is mired in a deep freeze at the plate. Oddly enough, because his baseline was already quite low, this poor stretch might not derail a potential +1 or even +2 boost. Nonetheless, the situation carries inherent volatility and shouldn't be a top priority over more stable alternatives.

  The players above represent the most actionable names on the board. If you prefer to unearth your own targets, focus on upgrade candidates hovering near their Quick Sell floor. And remember: players currently on the Injured List generally won't see their ratings adjusted upward; exercise restraint when evaluating those names.

• How to prepare for MLB The Show 26 Legends & Flashbacks Collection launch this Friday to unlock the ultimate rewards?

  In MLB The Show 26, player cards are not merely indispensable elements for building and strengthening your lineup; they can also be viewed as collectibles in their own right.

  Different cards belong to different series. When you complete the collection for an entire series, you can even unlock additional elite rewards, typically, these take the form of even more powerful player cards!

  Among all the available series, Legends & Flashbacks Collection requires you to acquire the largest number of players, but it also offers the most substantial rewards. Most importantly, it is set to launch this coming Friday!

  With this in mind, we will guide you on how to prepare for the new Legends & Flashbacks Collection, as well as offer our predictions regarding its rewards and other key details.

  

  What is Legends & Flashbacks Collection?

  You can think of this collection as a special Diamond Dynasty program that requires you to gather various non-Live series cards, specifically Legends and Flashbacks cards, in order to unlock high-tier diamond rewards.

  Generally speaking, this collection encompasses a wide array of specific series, many of which span the entire season. Consequently, it serves as a core, milestone-based collection that you must progress through while simultaneously working on completing various specific card series.

  What are vouchers?

  To help alleviate the pressure of collecting, MLB The Show 26 has introduced vouchers that can be applied toward collections.

  These vouchers are awarded to you upon the completion of smaller, specific collections; they act as substitutes for a certain number of individual cards, allowing you to obtain the final rewards without needing to achieve 100% card completion.

  How should you prepare?

  In fact, several of the relevant series collections are already underway. You can choose to skip, or simply not prioritize, certain series that may not hold much appeal for you personally, and then utilize vouchers to acquire the necessary cards later on.

  Here are the series currently available at this stage:

  • Jackie Robinson Day
  • New Threads
  • Spring Breakout
  • World Baseball Classic
  • 2nd Half Heroes
  • All-Star
  • Contributor
  • Postseason
  • Jolt

  If you haven't already started collecting well in advance, it may be quite difficult to complete Legends & Flashbacks Collection in the short term, at least, that was the case in last year's iteration of the game.

  If you absolutely must choose one to skip, consider passing on All-Star series; many of the cards within it are merely Rare tier, and the quality of the cards themselves often leaves much to be desired.

  Based on the information above, we present the following specific strategies to help you prepare.

  Do not indiscriminately sell your cards

  Sometimes, whether out of a need for stubs or simply because you don't want your inventory cluttered with cards that seem to have little immediate utility, you might be tempted to sell them off.

  Admittedly, this is an effective method for ensuring the circulation of stubs and player cards; however, the catch is that Legends & Flashbacks Collection requires almost every non-Live series card released during the early stages of the season.

  Even if you possess player cards that aren't specifically required for this collection, you can still use them to redeem Vouchers, which help advance your overall collection progress.

  Consequently, no experienced MLB 26 player would ever hastily sell off their cards during the early game. But if you've already done so, don't worry, you can currently buy MLB 26 stubs at IGGM to redeem those useful players within the game.

  However, a crucial point to note is this: if you are an experienced player who put in sufficient effort during the early stages, you may find yourself with duplicate copies of the player cards required for the collection.

  In that case, you absolutely must wait until Legends & Flashbacks Collection goes live before selling them!

  This is because at that specific time, market demand for these cards will skyrocket, generating significantly higher stub returns for you than before. By earning stubs without delaying your collection progress, you will emerge as the ultimate winner!

  Complete more programs

  As a core gameplay feature of MLB The Show 26, the game releases various programs almost continuously. Each program offers a diverse array of rewards, most notably player cards and card packs.

  Therefore, whether your goal is to complete smaller series collections or to start working toward Legends & Flashbacks Collection right from the start, you should always prioritize completing as many programs as possible.

  To achieve this, you must earn a sufficient amount of XP while a program is active; once you accumulate enough XP to reach specific thresholds, you will unlock the corresponding rewards.

  As for how to earn XP, the primary method involves completing designated missions, such as performing specific actions in-game using particular players, or earning a specific amount of PXP during matches.

  Occasionally, certain programs also allow you to earn XP by completing specific Moments or smaller collection series. Since these types of programs typically have shorter durations, they offer additional XP sources to ensure you can unlock all the rewards before the program expires.

  Create your own collection strategy

  Thanks to the existence of vouchers, you do not necessarily need to acquire every single card within certain series collections.

  However, this strategy is contingent upon your effective utilization of vouchers, specifically by using them to redeem the specific players that are otherwise the most difficult to obtain.

  Furthermore, as we touched upon when discussing programs, the specific tasks required for each individual program vary.

  Moreover, you often do not need to complete every single task listed within a program; you simply need to earn enough total XP to reach the necessary reward thresholds.

  Therefore, you need to combine the two points mentioned above to select the card-collecting path that best suits you, thereby maximizing your collection efficiency within the constraints of your limited time and energy.

  With only three days remaining until the launch of MLB 26 Legends & Flashbacks Collection, be sure to make the most of your time and prepare according to the guide we have provided! We wish you the best of luck in unlocking the ultimate rewards as soon as possible!

• MLB The Show 26 April Spotlight Drop 3 Program | Don't miss these high OVR players before the May deadline!

  Among all the programs in MLB The Show 26, April Spotlight Drops are known for their rapid update cycle; on average, a new round is released every week throughout April. Consequently, it is all too easy to miss out on rewards if you aren't paying close attention.

  Currently available is April Spotlight Drop 3, which went live on April 17th. It is expected to be replaced by Drop 4 in about a week, or potentially superseded entirely by the launch of the May events.

  However, the rewards within April Spotlight Drop 3 include a number of high-OVR player cards. If you are looking to further bolster your Diamond Dynasty squad, this is an opportunity you absolutely cannot afford to miss!

  To assist you, we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to complete April Spotlight Drop 3 program.

  

  Earning Program XP

  The core mechanic behind almost every MLB 26 program involves earning XP by fulfilling specific program requirements; once your XP total reaches certain thresholds, you automatically unlock the corresponding rewards.

  Given the extremely limited timeframe, April Spotlight Drop 3 features a concise set of just five rewards, with the highest tier requiring you to earn a mere 50 XP. Furthermore, there are multiple avenues available for earning these rewards, not just by completing missions.

  Available missions

  While you have a variety of options in April Spotlight Drop 3, you may still find yourself gravitating toward prioritizing missions. This program offers four missions to choose from; their requirements and corresponding XP rewards are as follows:

  • Earn 3,000 Parallel XP in any game mode - 15 Program XP
  • Earn 1,000 Parallel XP using players from Spotlight and/or Topps Now series - 15 Program XP
  • Hit 15 Home Runs using any player - 10 Program XP
  • Record 15 Strikeouts using any Relief Pitcher or Closer - 10 Program XP

  Completing Specific Moments

  Moments is a gameplay feature found within both Diamond Dynasty and Storylines modes. It allows you to relive iconic highlights from baseball history by playing through short, objective-driven game scenarios.

  In April Spotlight Drop 3, there are eight Moments available that provide XP; the first seven of these each award 4 XP:

  • Debut Dagger
  • Marsee in Motion
  • Guardians Angel
  • Springs Shutdown
  • Sheets Ends It
  • Duran's Door Slam
  • Will Power
  • OPTIONAL EXTREME: Three of a Kind

  The final moment listed above is a high-difficulty challenge added specifically for April Spotlight Drop 3. It requires you to hit three home runs using Max Muncy on All-Star difficulty; successfully completing this challenge instantly grants you 22 XP!

  Complete Specific Collections

  Most MLB '26 player cards belong to a specific Series, and typically, completing the collection of every player within an entire Series yields additional rewards.

  If you wish to earn April Spotlight Drop 3 XP through this method, the available Series collections include:

  • Collect all Spotlight Pack Players from April Spotlight Drop 3 Pack - 35 Program XP
  • Collect all Topps Now Series Players from April Spotlight Drop 3 Pack - 15 Program XP

  It is worth noting that these two collections are optional content, and the associated player cards cannot be sold on the marketplace.

  Furthermore, if you manage to obtain all the rewards from April Spotlight Drop programs, specifically by completing the collections for April Spotlight Program Players and April Spotlight Pack Players, you will unlock additional rewards in May:

  • April Lightning player (coming May 5)
  • April Retro Lightning player (coming May 5)

  If you have already completed these collections, they will each yield an additional 1 Program XP. Obviously, however, this is not their primary usage.

  April Spotlight Drop 3 rewards overview

  All rewards within April Spotlight Drop 3 include one April Spotlight Week 3 Pack, 2,500 Game XP, and three individual player cards: Juan Brito, Gavin Sheets, and Jhoan Duran. Their respective values and the amount of XP required to unlock them are as follows:

  • 10 XP - Juan Brito Player
  • 20 XP - Gavin Sheets Player
  • 30 XP - 2,500 Game XP
  • 40 XP - April Spotlight Week 3 Pack
  • 50 XP - Jhoan Duran Player

  The players you may obtain upon opening April Spotlight Week 3 Pack include:

  • OVR 89 Ronny Mauricio (3B, New York Mets)
  • OVR 89 Jeffrey Springs (SP, Athletics)
  • OVR 89 Jakob Marsee (CF, Miami Marlins)
  • OVR 91 Willson Contreras (1B, Boston Red Sox)
  • OVR 91 Angel Martinez (LF, Cleveland Guardians)

  If you are in need of a reliable right-handed batter, Willson Contreras is your best option. However, if you are simply looking for a versatile player, Ronny Mauricio, who boasts solid defensive skills and is a switch-hitter, is a worthy addition to your roster.

  Optimal XP Farming Strategies

  Generally speaking, we highly recommend prioritizing missions that offer higher XP rewards. However, if those missions prove too difficult for you, such as the newly added Special Moments, then opting for standard missions is a safer and more reliable approach.

  In fact, you can unlock all five rewards by completing just four missions. If you have already completed other moments or collections, simply choose the missions you are most proficient at.

  To ensure you don't fall behind on future program progress, you should aim to complete all currently active programs, especially the short-term ones, as early as possible. If you haven't started yet, it's best to pick up the pace!

  ---

  If none of these reward player cards or packs meet your specific roster upgrade needs, you can choose to buy MLB 26 stubs from IGGM. Because this special in-game currency can be redeemed for additional packs, thereby expanding your range of available choices!

• MLB The Show 26 Jackie Robinson Day Players Tier List | A few low‑overall surprises outshine the rest

  This year's Jackie Robinson Day in MLB The Show 26 brings an unprecedented wave of new content, including multiple Storylines cards, several Rookie of the Year cards, a brand-new Collection Reward, and a number of Pack guys.

  Even without using any Stubs to acquire new players, you'll be able to get plenty of free ones. But for Diamond Dynasty, the real question is: do these new cards actually improve your squad? Which ones are worth using? Let's take a closer look.

  

  D Tier

  • 88 OVR Luis Gil: A four-pitch pitcher who underperforms. He can just barely handle CPU opponents, but not recommended for use against human players.
  • 88 OVR Smokey Joe: Similar to Luis Gil. Good velocity but lacks pitch mix; poor overall utility.
  • 88 OVR Dontrelle Willis: Poor control, fastball only 92 mph, and an unimpressive pitch arsenal.
  • 89 OVR Bill Foster: Even slower than Dontrelle Willis, with mediocre control.
  • 88 OVR Jackie Robinson: A giveaway card. Mediocre power potential, not much value.
  • 90 OVR Willie Mays: Hitting stats are average, 86 speed, overall rating propped up mainly by defensive reaction.

  Tier C

  • 88 OVR Michael Fulmer: Good pitch mix, but poor per-nine stats.
  • 88 OVR Leroy Matlock: Most stats on this card are weak, though he has some extra-base ability. Can be used in casual games.
  • 88 OVR Ray Dandridge: Solid defense, consistent contact but no power, not suited as a core hitter.
  • 89 OVR Toni Stone: A contact-oriented second baseman, but severely lacking in power.
  • 89 OVR Judy Johnson: High contact, no power, defense and speed unremarkable. Barely serviceable.
  • 89 OVR Monte Irvin: Can play many positions, but neither offense nor defense stands out. Not effective.
  • 89 OVR Leon Day: Has five pitches, but overall pitching stats are mediocre.
  • 90 OVR Bullet Rogan: Poor per-nine stats, max fastball only 94 mph, pitch metrics average. Contact is decent but power is low.
  • 89 OVR Rap Dixon: Swing is okay, but hitting and defensive numbers are unimpressive.
  • 90 OVR David Justice: Very strong against lefties, but defense and consistency are too poor for a long-term starter.

  Tier B

  • 88 OVR Drake Baldwin: This card is mostly average, but players will use him as a full-time starter rather than platooning, so his ability to hit lefties is a plus. Power numbers aren't the worst, but not good enough either.
  • 88 OVR Andy Cooper: Andy Cooper has five pitches and a nice mix: 4-seam fastball, slurve, screwball, changeup, and sinker. This allows for some variety on the mound, so overall he's usable.
  • 89 OVR Larry Doby: Larry Doby is excellent as a second-base platoon player. He has a good swing and useful quirks. Good stats against righties, but weak against lefties.
  • 89 OVR Oscar Charleston: His swing has always been solid. The rest of his stats aren't the worst, he has some power, and his speed is decent.
  • 90 OVR Hank Thompson: Overall power and contact are not as good as Oscar Charleston's, but like Charleston, he's a left-handed power-type batter.
  • 90 OVR Scott Rolen: His contact and power numbers are decent, but his swing is somewhat poor; otherwise he'd be in A Tier.

  Tier A

  88 OVR Willard Brown

  Low contact, high power, with acceptable speed and defense. Can perform at All-Star or even Hall of Fame difficulty, especially suited for lower-difficulty players.

  89 OVR Ryan Howard

  Excellent as a pinch hitter off the bench. Very good against righties with great power, but struggles significantly against lefties and in low-Vision situations.

  90 OVR Biz Mackey

  Biz Mackey is a switch-hitting catcher with elite defensive stats across the board. All his defensive attributes are around 90, with 93 arm strength, making him the best defensive catcher in the current game meta. His hitting stats aren't bad either.

  90 OVR Corbin Carroll

  Corbin Carroll has maxed-out speed, high contact, and can hit righties. His home-run power is weaker in lefty-on-lefty matchups, but that's not what he's used for.

  92 OVR Carlos Beltran

  Carlos Beltran is a switch-hitting center fielder. His contact numbers are decent, power is a bit low (63 vs RHP), speed reaches 80, making him better suited for a corner outfield spot.

  

  Tier S

  90 OVR Kris Bryant

  Kris Bryant has 91/77 contact, but high clutch makes up for it. His power vs both sides is around 80, with excellent defense and reaction, and he can play multiple positions. He has quirks like First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, and Breaking Ball Hitter, and with his excellent hitting attributes, he performs well on All-Star or Hall of Fame difficulty.

  91 OVR John Donaldson

  He doesn't have Outlier Slider or Outlier Fastball, but his 101 mph fastball paired with an 80 mph forkball creates a massive speed differential, making him one of the most effective strikeout pitchers in the current meta.

  94 OVR Jackie Robinson

  Jackie Robinson is clearly S Tier. His attributes are strong across the board, and after parallel upgrades he reaches 105/106 contact, 81/80 power, combined with speed and defense. He can play second base or even shortstop. He also has two core quirks—Dead Red and Breaking Ball Hitter—that make his swing even more effective. Compared to previous years, this may be one of the best Jackie Robinson cards ever.

  This Jackie Robinson Day is the most content-rich in MLB The Show series history. You should prioritize completing Storylines missions to unlock Jackie Robinson Collection Reward card. For players who just want to quickly finish the event program, focus on using the higher-rated Storylines players, while D and C Tier cards can simply serve as filler for missions.

• MLB The Show 26 Jackie Robinson Day Program Reward and Collection Guide | Lazy gamer's route to 25 free cards and the final reward

  It's April 15 again, and MLB The Show 26 has released Jackie Robinson Day Program to honor the legendary Black players who shaped baseball history.

  This might be the largest Jackie Robinson Day event in the history of MLB The Show's content updates. Along with a new program and feature pack, the game adds dozens of brand-new player cards at once. By completing the collection mission, you can also earn a 94 OVR Jackie Robinson—one of the strongest cards available right now.

  

  Jackie Robinson Day Program Reward

  • 5 Points: 88 OVR Negro Leagues Jackie Robinson & 1,000 XP
  • 10 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
  • 15 Points: 250 Stubs
  • 20 Points: 88 OVR Awards Dontrelle Willis
  • 25 Points: 1,000 XP
  • 30 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
  • 35 Points: 89 OVR Negro Leagues Buck Leonard
  • 40 Points: 250 Stubs
  • 42 Points: 2,042 XP
  • 50 Points: 89 OVR Negro Leagues Monte Irvin
  • 55 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
  • 60 Points: 2,000 XP
  • 65 Points: 90 OVR Awards Kris Bryant
  • 70 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
  • 75 Points: 2,000 XP
  • 80 Points: 90 OVR Negro Leagues Hank Thompson
  • 85 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack (x2)
  • 90 Points: 2,000 XP
  • 95 Points: Jackie Robinson Day Deluxe Pack
  • 100 Points: 91 OVR Negro Leagues Henry Aaron

  This year, three collection missions have been released:

  • 91 OVR Satchel Paige: 24 Cards
  • 92 OVR Carlos Beltrán: 35 Cards
  • 94 OVR Jackie Robinson: 42 Cards

  Although many cards are needed, the good news is that Jackie Robinson Day Program rewards already include several cards and some packs. If you aim to complete 94 OVR Jackie Robinson collection, you'll want to collect all the rewards from this program.

  

  How to Make Progress?

  Beyond completing one Moment (worth 10 points) and finishing Jackie Robinson Day Showdown (worth 20 points), there are also Missions and Collection tasks. The total points available exceed 100, so you can pick the easier ones to focus on first.

  Missions

  • Steal 5 bases with any player (10 points)
  • Hit 12 home runs with any player (10 points)
  • Earn 34 total bases with any player (10 points)
  • Pitch 11 innings with any pitcher (10 points)
  • Earn 7,000 PXP with any player (10 points)
  • Earn 42 PXP with 88 OVR Jackie Robinson (20 points)
  • Record 42 at-bats with any player (10 points)
  • Earn 4,242 PXP with Negro Leagues, Awards, or Rookie Series players (10 points)

  BONUS Storylines Collections (35 points)

  Collect the following players from The Negro Leagues series:

  • 85 OVR Mule Suttles
  • 89 OVR Judy Johnson
  • 85 OVR Pop Lloyd
  • 85 OVR Roy Campanella
  • 88 OVR Ray Dandridge
  • 88 OVR Smokey Joe Williams
  • 88 OVR Willard Brown

  How to Complete the Collection Task?

  Conquest

  This Conquest map is relatively small, requiring you to take over only three team strongholds. Upon completion, you'll earn 3 free cards. It's a good idea to work on the program's Missions while playing Conquest games.

  Jackie Robinson Day Showdown

  Jackie Robinson Day Showdown not only gives you 20 program points but also directly rewards you with 5 cards along the way.

  Jackie Robinson Day Event Program

  90 OVR Biz Mackey from this event's reward path is an excellent switch-hitting catcher with balanced attributes, great arm strength for throwing out runners, and a very quick pop time. The final reward of this program also includes a Deluxe Pack.

  Storylines

  Completing Jackie Robinson Storyline rewards you with 7 cards. A headsup: Storyline is quite long, and some cutscenes cannot be skipped, making the process a bit tedious. However, in terms of saving your MLB The Show 26 stubs, it's very much worth the effort.

  By finishing Showdown (5 cards), Conquest (3 cards), Storylines (7 cards), and Program rewards (8 cards), you will have obtained 23 cards at no cost. If you also count the cards you're guaranteed to get from Deluxe Pack, the total number of free cards reaches 25.

  After completing all the free content above, you'll have a solid start on the collection progress. At that point, head to Flashbacks and Legends collection menu. For the remaining slots, you'll need to turn to the market.

  Assuming you use none of the free cards and pull none from packs, gathering all the required cards would take about 233,000 stubs. But that's not the final figure. Since you actually need 40 cards and have already obtained 25, you can choose to skip some cards that are too costly.

  Here are two cards worth skipping:

  • 91 OVR John Donaldson: currently around 70,000 stubs on the market.
  • 91 OVR Jacob deGrom: currently around 45,000 stubs on the market.

  After skipping those two expensive cards, you only need to get the remaining 15 ordinary cards. Each of these cards typically goes for between 5,000 and 7,000 stubs. Therefore, the actual stubs required to complete the collection comes out to about 110,000 stubs.

  The value of this Jackie Robinson Day event is outstanding. As long as you carefully plan how to use your stubs, you'll be able to finish the final collection mission and strengthen your lineup with these players.