If you're diving into MLB The Show 26 and looking to build the ultimate team, you've come to the right place. With so many player cards to choose from, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are worth your time—and your MLB The Show stubs. In this video, YouTuber CJ12K breaks down the top five cards for each position, assuming you have access to every card in the game. Whether you're grinding your way up or looking to speed things up a little, this list will help you put together a squad that can truly compete.
Key Takeaways
- Albert Pujols (99 OVR) is the clear-cut best first baseman, Troy Tulowitzki (99 OVR) is the undisputed king of shortstops, and Felix Hernandez (99 OVR) is the best starting pitcher in MLB The Show 26.
- At third base, José Ramírez remains the top overall choice, especially for those willing to spend, but Willi CastroThird base, 88 OVROne of the most widely used and trusted cards in the gameStrong hitting, solid speed, exceptional arm strengthWeaker fielding; plays above his stats with mods applied, priced at 3K stubs, is arguably the best option based on his elite in-game performance. Maikel GarciaThird base, 94 OVRExcellent contact, vision, clutch and elite defenseReaction can be inconsistentSolid quirks and overall performance, but better value options exist for the cost is strong but overpriced at around 150K stubs.
- Will SmithCatcher, 90 OVR92 contact and 83 power vs. RHP at SuperfractorA solid choice for players who may not have unlocked all the premium cards yet is one of the best budget options at catcher, and Roman AnthonyLeft field, 89 OVRHigh contact and clutch statsLacks power against RHP is a budget-friendly option in left field.
- Ozzie AlbiesSecond base, 89 OVRNear-universally loved swingStats aren't overwhelming, but he performs well above expectations remains one of the best free options, available through the WBC program.
- Adrian Morejón's outlier sinker is one of the best in the game, making him a must-have bullpen arm for any team.
Top Pick at Each Position at a Glance
| Position | Top pick | OVR | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Adley Rutschman | 91 | Solid defense and above-average speed for his position; reliable at the plate and behind it |
| First Base | Albert Pujols | 99 | Elite hitting stats, solid defense, and secondary positions at third base and corner outfield |
| Second Base | Ketel Marte | 90 | Switch-hitter with excellent offensive numbers and decent defense |
| Third Base | José Ramírez | 91 | Great vision, solid power and good overall hitting; defense can be inconsistent |
| Shortstop | Troy Tulowitzki | 99 | Elite hitting stats, maxed-out arm strength and top-tier quirks |
| Left Field | Lance Berkman | 89 | Strong contact, excellent clutch and elite power against righties; struggles against lefties |
| Center Field | Mike Trout | 90 | Elite hitting stats, good speed and serviceable defense |
| Right Field | Fernando Tatis Jr. | 92 | Speed, power, defense and elite quirks |
| Starting Pitcher | Felix Hernandez | 99 | Highly effective on all difficulties |
| Relief Pitcher | Adrian Morejón | 81 | An outlier sinker that's one of the best in the game |
Catcher
1. Adley Rutschman (91 OVR)
Adley is the best catcher in the game right now. With solid defense and above-average speed for his position, he's a complete package. Equipped with Dead Red and First Pitch HitterQuirksAdley Rutschman (catcher) and Kazuma Okamoto (third base) both have them quirks, Adley is a reliable option both at the plate and behind it.
2. Roy Campanella (94 OVR)
Campanella offers a great mix of offense and defense. His hitting stats rival those of Will Smith, and his strong arm and pop time make him a defensive asset. While some players find his swing challenging, others swear by it.
3. Will Smith (90 OVR)
Will Smith is one of the best budget options for the catcher position. His hitting stats (92 contact vs. RHP and 83 power vs. RHP at Superfractor) make him a solid choice for players who may not have unlocked all the premium cards yet.
4. Cal Raleigh (90 OVR)
Raleigh brings big power to your lineup with 108 contact and 118 power against RHP. However, his swing isn't for everyone, and his defensive abilities leave much to be desired.
5. Salvador Perez (87 OVR)
While far from his World Series-winning form, Perez still offers a very smooth, user-friendly swing. The issue is that his defense and performance against lefties are subpar.
First Base
1. Albert Pujols (99 OVR)
Pujols is the clear-cut best first baseman in the game. He boasts elite hitting stats, solid defense, and versatility with secondary positions at third base and corner outfield spots.
2. Carlos Santana (89 OVR)
Santana is a well-rounded option with excellent quirks and top-tier defense for a first baseman. His swing makes him a reliable hitter, especially against RHP.
3. Jorge Polanco (90 OVR)
Polanco is an intriguing choice, especially if you want a switch-hitting first baseman. With strong clutch stats and good versatility across multiple positions, he's a great addition to any roster.
4. Munetaka Murakami (90 OVR)
Murakami separates himself from other lefty first basemen with his incredible power numbers (92 RHP, 95 LHP). His swing is smooth, making him an offensive powerhouse.
5. David Ortiz (88 OVR)/Bryce Harper (89 OVR)/Vinnie Pasquantino (90 OVR)
All three of these lefty bats bring unique strengths to the table. Ortiz has great quirks and power, Harper offers better defense and speed, while Pasquantino provides balanced hitting stats.
Second Base
1. Ketel Marte (90 OVR)
Marte is a perennial favorite in MLB The Show for good reason. He's a switch-hitter with excellent offensive numbers across the board and decent defense at second base.
2. Ozzie Albies (89 OVR)
Albies remains one of the best free options available through the WBC program. His swing is near-universally loved, and while his stats aren't overwhelming, he performs well above expectations.
3. Chone Figgins (91 OVR)
Figgins is a polarizing card due to his lack of power, but his speed and defense make him a viable option at second base for those who value small ball.
4. Didi Gregorius (89 OVR)
Didi brings solid offensive production to second base with decent quirks and a swing that some players love. He's better suited as a DH but can hold his own defensively.
5. JJ Wetherholt (88 OVR)
Wetherholt's quirks make him an underrated option at second base. While his defense isn't stellar, his speed and offensive capabilities make up for it.
Third Base
1. José Ramírez (91 OVR)
José Ramírez is widely considered the best third baseman in the game, which explains his high price. He offers great vision, solid power, and good overall hitting, though his defense can be inconsistent due to his size, ranging from missed plays to standout moments.
Tip: With mods and inside edge boosts, Ramírez becomes even stronger and remains the top overall choice, especially for those willing to spend.
2. Willi Castro (88 OVR)
Priced at 3K stubs, Willi Castro is one of the most widely used and trusted cards in the game. With mods applied, he plays above his stats, offering strong hitting, solid speed, and exceptional arm strength despite weaker fielding. Based on his elite in-game performance, he's arguably the best option.
3. Maikel Garcia (94 OVR)
Maikel Garcia is a strong but overpriced card at around 150K stubs. He brings excellent contact, vision, clutch, and elite defense at third base, though his reaction can be inconsistent.
Value check: While his quirks and overall performance are solid, there are better value options for the cost.
4. Kazuma Okamoto (88 OVR)
Okamoto's powerful bat makes him an excellent choice at third base. He also has solid quirks like Dead Red and First Pitch Hitter.
5. Graig Nettles (93 OVR)
Nettles is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, but lacks offensive consistency against left-handed pitchers.
Shortstop
1. Troy Tulowitzki (99 OVR)
Tulo is the undisputed king of shortstops with elite hitting stats, maxed-out arm strength, and all the top-tier quirks you could ask for.
2. Francisco Lindor (90 OVR)
Lindor is a switch-hitter with great quirks and solid offensive numbers. While his defense can be inconsistent, his bat more than makes up for it.
3. Corey Seager (89 OVR)
Seager's swing is one of the best in the game, making him a joy to use despite his defensive limitations.
4. Leo De Vries (89 OVR)
Leo De Vries is a versatile switch-hitting shortstop with great quirks and decent all-around stats. While he may need boosts to his fielding, speed, or hitting to reach his full potential, he remains a strong and versatile option—especially compared to similar cards.
5. Geraldo Perdomo (90 OVR)/Bobby Witt Jr. (91 OVR)
Perdomo's high contact and clutch make him an underrated gem, while Witt offers elite speed and defense but lacks power.
Outfielders
Left Field
1. Lance Berkman (89 OVR)
He offers solid speed, strong contact, excellent clutch, and elite power against righties, making him one of the most dangerous bats in those matchups. However, he struggles significantly against lefties and isn't a standout defender, so his value comes largely from his switch-hitting ability.
2. Andrew McCutchen (90 OVR)
McCutchen brings speed, decent fielding, and strong hitting to left field. His swing remains one of the best in MLB The Show.
3. Roman Anthony (89 OVR)
A budget-friendly option with high contact and clutch stats but lacks power against RHP.
4. Andruw Jones (88 OVR)
A solid defensive option with respectable power numbers and good quirks.
5. Larry Walker (88 OVR)
A balanced card with decent hitting stats and good quirks, but limited by subpar speed in left field.
Center Field
1. Mike Trout (90 OVR)
Trout remains unmatched in center field with elite hitting stats, good speed, and serviceable defense.
2. Byron Buxton (89 OVR)
Buxton's blazing speed (99) makes him an elite defender in center field, while his power numbers provide significant pop at the plate.
3. Julio Rodríguez (91 OVR)
J-Rod has decent hitting stats but lacks clutch and reaction time in center field.
4. Pete Crow-Armstrong (90 OVR)/Max Clark (88 OVR)
Both PCA and Clark are excellent defensive options in center field with some offensive limitations.
5. Jackson Chourio (88 OVR)/Ceddanne Rafaela (89 OVR)
These two young prospects offer above-average defense but lack consistent offensive production.
Right Field
1. Fernando Tatis Jr. (92 OVR)
Tatis is the best right fielder in the game due to his combination of speed, power, defense, and elite quirks.
2. Aaron Judge (92 OVR)
Judge's bat is monstrous, making him one of the most feared hitters in MLB The Show. While his defense isn't perfect, it's serviceable.
3. Ken Singleton (92 OVR)
Singleton offers impressive hitting stats but suffers from a slow swing and lackluster speed.
4. Ronald Acuña Jr. (90 OVR)
Acuña is one of the most dynamic players in the game with elite power and strong defensive capabilities.
5. Jeromy Burnitz (90 OVR)/Kyle Tucker (91 OVR)
Both are solid options with good hitting stats and quirks, but lack standout defensive skills compared to others on this list.
Starting Pitchers
1. Felix Hernandez (99 OVR)
Felix Hernandez is the best starting pitcher in MLB The Show 26. While he isn't as dominant as past collection rewards like Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens, Felix remains highly effective on all difficulties.
2. Tarik Skubal (91 OVR)
A top-tier pitcher with excellent velocity, control, and hits-per-nine stats.
3. Clayton Kershaw (90 OVR)
A reliable option with great control and movement on his pitches.
4. Al Leiter (88 OVR)
A legend in MLB The Show games, Leiter remains effective on higher difficulties thanks to his sinker-slider combo.
5. Aníbal Sánchez (94 OVR)/Yamamoto (90 OVR)/Ranger Suárez (88 OVR)
These three pitchers are all solid options depending on your preferred playstyle and difficulty level.
Relief Pitchers
1. Adrian Morejón (81 OVR)
With an outlier sinker that's one of the best in the game, Morejón is a must-have bullpen arm for any team.
2. Ryan Helsley (87 OVR)
Helsley's combination of velocity and effective pitch mix makes him one of the top bullpen arms available.
3. Lee Smith (88 OVR)
A classic closer with excellent velocity and control to dominate late innings.
4. Clay Buchholz (83 OVR)
Buchholz excels at higher difficulties due to his deceptive pitch mix and high hits-per-nine stats.
5. Naniel Palencia (84 OVR)
Another strong velocity-focused reliever who can be effective at all difficulty levels when properly utilized.
That wraps up the comprehensive tier list for MLB The Show 26! Whether you're building your dream team or looking for budget-friendly options to improve your squad, these rankings should help you make informed decisions about which players to prioritize.
If you found this guide helpful or have your own favorites that didn't make the list, feel free to share your thoughts in the video's comments section!
Building your dream team? Cards like José Ramírez come at a high price. If you're looking to speed things up a little, stubs let you add the players you want to prioritize.
Buy MLB The Show 26 StubsFAQ
Who is the best catcher in MLB The Show 26?
Adley Rutschman (91 OVR) is the best catcher in the game right now. With solid defense, above-average speed for his position and the Dead Red and First Pitch Hitter quirks, he's a reliable option both at the plate and behind it. Will Smith (90 OVR) is one of the best budget options for the position.
Who is the best third baseman in MLB The Show 26?
José Ramírez (91 OVR) is widely considered the best third baseman in the game, which explains his high price, and he remains the top overall choice, especially for those willing to spend. Willi Castro (88 OVR), priced at 3K stubs, is one of the most widely used and trusted cards and arguably the best option based on his elite in-game performance. Maikel Garcia (94 OVR) is strong but overpriced at around 150K stubs.
Who is the best shortstop in MLB The Show 26?
Troy Tulowitzki (99 OVR) is the undisputed king of shortstops, with elite hitting stats, maxed-out arm strength and all the top-tier quirks you could ask for. Francisco Lindor (90 OVR) ranks second: a switch-hitter with great quirks and solid offensive numbers whose bat more than makes up for defense that can be inconsistent.
Who are the best outfielders in MLB The Show 26?
Lance Berkman (89 OVR) tops left field with strong contact, excellent clutch and elite power against righties, though he struggles significantly against lefties. Mike Trout (90 OVR) remains unmatched in center field, and Fernando Tatis Jr. (92 OVR) is the best right fielder in the game due to his combination of speed, power, defense and elite quirks.
Who is the best starting pitcher in MLB The Show 26?
Felix Hernandez (99 OVR) is the best starting pitcher in MLB The Show 26. While he isn't as dominant as past collection rewards like Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens, he remains highly effective on all difficulties. Tarik Skubal (91 OVR) is next, a top-tier pitcher with excellent velocity, control and hits-per-nine stats.
Which cards are good budget or free options in MLB The Show 26?
Ozzie Albies (89 OVR) remains one of the best free options, available through the WBC program. Will Smith (90 OVR) is one of the best budget options at catcher, Willi Castro (88 OVR) is priced at 3K stubs at third base, and Roman Anthony (89 OVR) is a budget-friendly option in left field.
