MLB The Show 26's Diamond Dynasty mode has just launched 4th Inning Program - similar to a game pass, where players accumulate XP to progress and earn various rewards.

4th Inning Program lasts longer than previous ones, a full 34 days, meaning more time to accumulate XP. The rewards are also substantial, including several incredibly useful player cards and a considerable number of Stubs.

Next, I'll introduce the players you should pay attention to in 4th Inning Program and methods for quickly accumulating XP.

Rewards to Focus On

Among the many rewards in MLB 26's 4th Inning Program, you should focus on the following three:

95 OVR All-Star Mike Piazza

This card boasts an overall rating of 95 and is widely recognized as a powerful catcher. His offensive capabilities are outstanding for the catcher position.

Specifically, this card has a contact rating of 113 against left-handed pitchers and 95 against right-handed pitchers. This means he can consistently hit hits regardless of the opposing pitcher.

Furthermore, his clutch rating is a high 117. This means he's even more reliable in high-stakes situations, almost never striking out with the bases loaded.

Most importantly, his swing animation is extremely smooth. Experienced players know that stuttering is frequent in MLB 26. Some player cards may have strong stats, but due to various reasons, frequent stuttering prevents them from reaching their full potential.

Mike Piazza is renowned among players for his "smooth swing" making stuttering during his swing virtually impossible.

So, how many XP do we need to accumulate for such a powerful free player card? Actually, only 57,500 XP. This card is placed quite prominently in 4th Inning Program, making it easily accessible to every player.

96 OVR All-Star Steve Carlton

Steve Carlton is a legendary left-handed pitcher in real life, and he's also a very strong player in MLB 26. You need to accumulate 220,000 XP to acquire him.

96 OVR All-Star Steve Carlton card has a Stamina of 117, meaning he can play from start to finish in a three-inning Conquest mode. You can use the saved pitching slot to add an extra batter or a mission card.

Furthermore, his pitch combinations are very practical: 4-Seam Fastball is fast, and both Slider and Sinker have good ball movement.

4th Inning Boss Choice Pack (1 of 2)

This is the ultimate reward of 4th Inning Program. After obtaining this reward, you can choose between Rafael Devers and Roger Clemens.

Players tend to prefer Roger Clemens. The reason is that this player card has Outlier skill, which allows his 4-Seam Fastball to easily exceed 100 mph; and his Pitching Clutch is as high as 120, meaning that his control is more stable when someone is on base and under the most pressure.

Rafael Devers is also a very good hitter, but in MLB 26, good hitters are relatively easy to obtain, while starting pitchers like Roger Clemens are rarer.

These are the parts you need to focus on in the rewards of 4th Inning Program. In addition, you can also get MLB The Show 26 Stubs and some card packs. You might also get some useful player cards from those packs.

Methods for Quickly Farming XP

So, how do we quickly farm XP in MLB 26 to obtain the above rewards? A player shared a very efficient method on the forums.

Stat Missions

Stat Missions require you to accumulate specific stats with specific players, such as "accumulate X Parallel XP" or "accumulate X Total Bases". Completing these missions will also earn you a certain amount of XP. Here's a tip for efficiently completing Stat Missions: Under Conquest, select the custom Blank Canvas - a nickname players use for empty stadiums without spectators.

Why choose it? First, the graphics in MLB 26 are simplified, making your gameplay smoother. Second, the visibility on this type of stadium is excellent, making the ball's trajectory exceptionally clear. Both of these factors make completing Stat Missions much easier.

Since Conquest mode games are typically three innings long, fast-paced, and contain many hidden rewards, completing Stat Missions in this mode usually yields more XP in a shorter amount of time, meaning your XP farming efficiency is very high.

Moments

Moments are basic tasks, such as "controlling a player to hit two home runs in a single game", which quickly earn you XP, so don't forget to complete them.

However, there's a pitfall to avoid: there's a mission called "Score 13 runs in one inning". While the difficulty is only Veteran, it's incredibly time-consuming. You have to constantly hit, reach base, and score, while AI opponent will continuously switch pitchers to disrupt your rhythm.

Spending tens of minutes or even an hour on this mission for a small amount of XP isn't worthwhile for players focused on efficiency.

Mission Stacking

Never play a game just for one mission. Before entering any MLB 26 game, always check the mission lists. You'll find that often, you can complete multiple missions simultaneously in the same game.

For example, some missions require you to use specific players, while others require a certain number of hits. By simply hitting with the specific player, you can complete both missions in the same inning.

This technique can significantly improve your efficiency in completing missions and accumulating XP.

This concludes the introduction to 4th Inning Program of MLB The Show 26, highlighting the must-have player cards and tips for quickly accumulating XP. Hopefully, this will help you quickly obtain all the rewards.

3rd Inning XP Program for MLB The Show 26 has officially launched on May 8 PT and become the core activity of Diamond Dynasty. It also represents the most significant reduction in the entry barrier since the release of MLB 26.

Shortly after the launch of 3rd Inning XP Program, the new update, Mural Collection, was also released. Players need to complete tasks and collect 29 Mural Series cards. The large amount of XP gained in this process synergizes well with 3rd Inning XP Program.

Now 3rd Inning XP Program is confirmed to officially close on June 5th. Players are in the final sprint. To obtain the final reward: 3rd Inning Boss Choice Pack, this article will focus on providing some key strategies applicable to this final sprint.

Of course, regardless of the strategy, maximizing XP is paramount. You can obtain XP through the following three main modes:

1. Mini Seasons
2. Conquest
3. Multiplayer 3 Program

1. Mini Seasons

Mini Seasons is currently the most cost-effective source of XP. The optimal strategy for the classic Mini Season is to play in a 3-inning, 7-game regular season format. Winning 4 regular season games secures a playoff spot, and the remaining 3 can be forfeited to save time. Then, win the playoffs to claim the championship.

Use Custom Stadium with temporary fences and high elevations to maximize home runs and strikeouts, the two most important XP contributors per inning. Also, try to complete pitching and batting duties in the same game to avoid multiple repetitive starts.

2. Conquest

If you prefer a single-player experience, MLB 26's Conquest is a reasonably efficient option, offering a strategic and rewarding farming path.

It's essentially a turn-based strategy game where you expand your territory, fortify your defenses, and conquer enemy strongholds on a hexagonal grid map. Each map hides generous hidden and completion rewards.

Notably, the recently updated Mural Conquest map includes two exclusive Mural card rewards: 92 OVR Johnny Damon and 92 OVR Ozzie Smith. Completing this map not only advances your 3rd Inning XP Program progress but also grants you two high-quality outfielder cards, making it extremely cost-effective.

3. Multiplayer 3 Program

Multiplayer 3 Program is an absolutely crucial component of the sprint.

Unlike the traditional XP path, Multiplayer 3 Program unlocks an XP Reward Wheel after completing all 25 milestones for 150,000 XP. This allows players to continuously earn bonus rewards within Multiplayer Program, including MLB The Show 26 Stubs, card packs, and high-value player cards.

Most notably, Wheel's recurring missions are worth noting. Completing IPip Tally mission - throwing 9 innings in any Multiplayer Program - will continuously spin XP Reward Wheel.

Multiplayer XP Reward Wheel, designed to complement the final sprint of 3rd Inning XP Program, provides a cycle of continuously increasing marginal returns.

The more you invest in Multiplayer Program, the faster you progress through 3rd Inning XP Program. Upon completion of 3rd Inning XP Program, you can then utilize Multiplayer XP Reward Wheel to generate additional resources.

If you have limited time, you can choose to accord to the following tiers:

2-4 hours

• Multiplayer 3 Program basic missions (at least unlock Multiplayer XP Reward Wheel)
• 3rd Inning XP Program Moments challenges (a fixed amount of XP is awarded for each completed challenge)
• Weekly Multiplayer Program Missions

4-8 hours

• Classic Mini Seasons speedrun
• Mural Conquest map

With ample time

• Complete the entire Mural Program questline
• Complete all Diamond Quests

For the two high-scoring players in the final reward, 3rd Inning Boss Choice Pack, players can choose one. Before making a choice, players should understand their respective characteristics.

3rd Inning Boss Choice Pack

1. Francisco Lindor (95 OVR, SS)

Awards Series Lindor is a top choice for many players because of his Switch Hitter ability, smooth swing timing, and solid defense. His swing is smooth, his Contact Boost is good, and his Vision is 77, which is just right for the current stage of MLB 26. His only weakness is arm strength, but as an all-around shortstop, he remains the safest choice for most players.

2. Juan Soto (95 OVR, LF)

His hitting ability is outstanding, with a clutch ability of 112, making him a decisive force in the late game. He is suitable for set-piece hits, but defense is his weakness, making him best suited for offense.

In fact, while pursuing the final reward, there are a few easily overlooked but extremely cost-effective mid-tier reward cards worth paying attention to:

• Matt Strahm (92 OVR, RP): This reward card boasts an amazing 97 Control stat and excellent Per Nines, making him more than capable of a relief role in high-ranked games.
• Fred McGriff (93 OVR, 1B): Surprisingly powerful, his hitting attributes are very solid, making him a reliable addition to the bench or starting first base.

In short, during the final sprint, the most reliable strategy is to make the most of every remaining day and strive to collect all the available XP rewards on 3rd Inning XP Reward Path. Even if you don't reach the finish line, the rewards earned along the way are not to be underestimated.

Wishing all MLB 26 players the best of luck in winning their grand prizes.

In the latest content update for MLB The Show 26, Astros' NO-HITTER pitching has spawned three brand-new player cards. These cards don't rely solely on real-world performance to stack attributes; instead, they are directly obtainable and playable through in-game Showdowns.

Based on actual gameplay experience and card stats, their true competitive value can be assessed. The following analysis focuses on left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers.

Left-handed Pitchers

Here are two newly added left-handed pitchers.

Steven Okert

Steven Okert is a 93 overall left-handed reliever card. In the current version of MLB 26, top-tier left-handed relievers are scarce, and this card directly addresses players' need to suppress left-handed batters in crucial situations.

Okert's ball combinations include slider, sinker, and cutter, but he lacks a changeup. For a starting pitcher, changeup is a key weapon for creating missed swings, but a relief pitcher, with limited playing time per inning, can still exert effective pressure by relying on pitch speed differences and positioning.

His per nines, 117's clutch and 117's H/9 are close to the upper limit of his game, meaning that his control and pressure won't significantly diminish in crucial moments like bases loaded.

In practice, against most left-handed batting formations on MLB The Show 26, Okert's slider can cut from the strike zone to knee height on the left-handed batter, while his sinker is used to create double play.

However, it's worth noting that the lack of changeup means that against right-handed batters, the batter can focus on waiting for a fastball or cutter, reducing the difficulty of guessing the ball.

Despite impressive statistics, Okert allowed multiple hits in direct Showdown exchanges. This isn't a problem with the card's attributes, but the overly simplistic pitching patterns under AI control.

When manually controlled by the player, by flexibly switching between inside and outside pitches and varying speeds, Okert could easily become a reliable left-handed option in Bullpen.

Almber Santa

Almber Santa, also from this NO-HITTER game, had an excessively high percentage of curveballs in his actual pitching data. Under the pitching mechanics of MLB 26, a single pitch usage rate exceeding 40% significantly increases the batter's prediction accuracy.

Santa's per nines are acceptable. However, because the curveball is a slow pitch that lacks sufficient speed differential from his fastballs, advanced players can easily time it for extra-base hits.

The card's advantage lies in the significant vertical displacement of the curveball, which can induce batters to swing and miss at the lower edge of the strike zone. However, while Santa made his MLB debut and contributed to NO-HITTER game, his actual dominance wasn't fully reflected in MLB 26.

Judging from the actual results of the showdown against Santa, Santa allowed consecutive hits and runs, failing to demonstrate dominance against AI on Normal difficulty.

As a free card, it has value in the early to mid-game lineup, but is unlikely to be a primary reliever in high-level matches.

Right-handed pitcher

Tatsuya Imal is a right-handed pitcher who transitioned from NPB to MLB The Show 26. In real games, he pitched six innings as a NO-HITTER. Logically, his hits per nine innings should be high, but the game's rating is significantly lower, contradicting the actual performance of a NO-HITTER.

Tatsuya's ball control requires skillful play to compensate. His ball configuration consists of a sinker, slider, splitter, and curveball, lacking a four-seam fastball with sufficient speed.

In MLB The Show 26, the splitter and curveball have overlapping functions, while the sinker is more geared towards creating double play. This combination of pitches leaves Tatsuya lacking an effective weapon to attack the high inside corner when facing a left-handed batter.

From showdown performance, although Tatsuya didn't allow a home run after coming on, he allowed several consecutive singles, resulting in runs on high hits. This reflects a significant gap between the card's actual performance and its role as a "NO-HITTER participant."

To effectively use Tatsuya, players must rely on precise corner control, utilizing the visual illusions on both sides of the strike zone to induce the batter to swing at bad pitches. For advanced players skilled in pitching, this card can be used as a fifth starter or long reliever, but novice players will find it difficult to realize its full potential.

Tactical Adaptation

All three cards can be obtained for free through MLB The Show 26 Spotlight and Showdown, without spending real money.

From a team building perspective, Okert is the card with the most long-term value. His rare left-handed pitcher attribute and solid per nines ensure he'll remain a Bullpen rotation player for the next two seasons.

Santa can be used as a fun option in event modes or single-player games, but he's easily countered in ranked matches. Tatsuya's role is more awkward; he lacks both overwhelming speed and top-tier breaking ball movement, relying solely on player skill to compensate for his attribute deficiencies.

Overall, NO-HITTER update for MLB The Show 26 focuses more on collection and commemorative value than on a substantial impact on the competitive environment.

Of the three cards, only Okert has the potential to enter high-level matches; the other two are better suited for completing in-game missions or expanding team depth.

For players who have already built a complete pitching roster in MLB The Show 26, the actual improvement from these three cards is limited; however, for beginners or early-to-mid-game players, they are practical additions that can be obtained without consuming resources.

The three cards introduced in NO-HITTER update for MLB The Show 26 truly reflect the disconnect between in-game attribute allocation and real-world performance. The free acquisition method reduces the cost of trial and error, but players shouldn't have overly high expectations for these three cards.

NO-HITTER update's free cards are just the beginning - building a truly dominant bullpen and acquiring top-tier legends like Chipper Jones often requires a large amount of Stubs, especially with flash sales ending soon. The most efficient way to strengthen your roster right now is to buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs from UTnice.com, ensuring you never miss out on limited-time chase packs or headliner bundles.

While Steven Okert and the other free cards offer solid depth for early-to-mid-game lineups, having enough Stubs lets you lock in the best lefty relievers, complete expensive collections like Miguel Cabrera, and stay competitive in ranked seasons without grinding for hours. Don't let a lack of resources hold back your pitching staff - act before the market shifts.