MLB The Show 26 brings back Team Affinity, and this year it launches with 60 player cards right from the start: 30 pitchers and 30 hitters. These players are free to add to your collection, provided you complete the corresponding Team Affinity programs.

Let's focus on the top 10 pitchers from Team Affinity, as pitchers often receive more attention at the beginning of MLB season, also because players often lack truly outstanding pitchers.

No.10: 88 OVR Steve Carlton SP

• H/9 Right: 83
• H/9 Left: 78
• K/9 Right: 77
• K/9 Left: 74
• Control: 70
• Pitch Clutch: 88
• Stamina: 109
• Velocity: 96
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 81
• HR/9: 73
• BB/9: 70

As a left-handed pitcher, Steve Carlton holds significant value in the current game meta. With the abundance of free left-handed hitter cards available, opposing lineups often feature five or six lefty bats. His pitch mix includes a Slider, Fastball, Curveball, Changeup, and Sinker, offering well-rounded and solid stats.

While some might find his delivery a bit readable over time, the strategic value of a left-hander in this version of the game is simply irreplaceable.

No.9: 88 OVR Rich Gossage CP

• H/9 Right: 113
• H/9 Left: 80
• K/9 Right: 110
• K/9 Left: 98
• Control: 56
• Pitch Clutch: 102
• Stamina: 41
• Velocity: 99
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 88
• HR/9: 98
• BB/9: 56

As a reliever, Rich Gossage's role places him slightly below starting pitchers on this list. He features a dominant combo of Fastball, Slider, Sinker, and Changeup. His strikeout numbers against right-handed batters are elite, though slightly weaker against lefties. The 56 Control is the main concern, but Parallel Boost can help mitigate that.

No.8: 88 OVR Corey Kluber SP

• H/9 Right: 75
• H/9 Left: 69
• K/9 Right: 82
• K/9 Left: 82
• Control: 85
• Pitch Clutch: 85
• Stamina: 95
• Velocity: 95
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 82
• HR/9: 83
• BB/9: 85

Corey Kluber's cards have always been a favorite in the community. His arsenal of Sinker, Slider, Slow Curve, Circle Change, and Fastball is excellent. Key stats like Strikeouts, Control, and Pitch Clutch are all strong. The 69 H/9 against lefties is a bit risky but can be improved through Parallel.

No.7: 88 OVR Lee Smith CP

• H/9 Right: 87
• H/9 Left: 80
• K/9 Right: 90
• K/9 Left: 102
• Control: 98
• Pitch Clutch: 80
• Stamina: 26
• Velocity: 97
• Break: 93
• Stuff: 88
• HR/9: 80
• BB/9: 98

Lee Smith has consistently been one of the premier relief pitchers in the game. Within his mix of Fastball, Slider, Cutter, and Splitter, his Splitter is exceptionally effective when combined with his delivery.

His high strikeout potential, especially the 102 K/9 against left-handed batters, makes him incredibly valuable against lefty-heavy lineups. While Pitch Clutch stat is a tad low for a reliever, it's a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar card.

No.6: 88 OVR Corbin Burnes SP

• H/9 Right: 87
• H/9 Left: 89
• K/9 Right: 64
• K/9 Left: 78
• Control: 63
• Pitch Clutch: 109
• Stamina: 85
• Velocity: 99
• Break: 92
• Stuff: 81
• HR/9: 67
• BB/9: 63

Corbin Burnes has a lower strikeout rate against righties, and his Control could be better, but he boasts a high Pitch Clutch, excellent H/9 ratings, and solid Stamina. His pitch mix—Cutter, Curveball, Sinker, Slider, Circle Change—plays far above his raw stats. He's been a top-tier pitcher every year, and this season looks to be no different.

No.5: 88 OVR Darren O'Day RP

• H/9 Right: 101
• H/9 Left: 92
• K/9 Right: 103
• K/9 Left: 85
• Control: 95
• Pitch Clutch: 97
• Stamina: 25
• Velocity: 49
• Break: 92
• Stuff: 94
• HR/9: 85
• BB/9: 95

Darren O'Day is a uniquely distinctive relief pitcher card. His quirky submarine-sidearm delivery has historically been one of the most difficult releases for hitters to pick up in the game. Combined with a pitch arsenal featuring a Slider, Fastball, Sinker, Circle Change, and Curveball, his deceptive arm angle makes him nearly untouchable for right-handed batters.

It's this uniqueness that lands him at number five. His high strikeout rate and funky motion make it tough for opponents to time their swings. Of course, on the highest difficulties, experienced players might eventually adapt, but that doesn't diminish his value at this stage of the game.

No.4: 88 OVR Pedro Martinez SP

• H/9 Right: 97
• H/9 Left: 64
• K/9 Right: 95
• K/9 Left: 75
• Control: 70
• Pitch Clutch: 90
• Stamina: 87
• Velocity: 92
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 82
• HR/9: 76
• BB/9: 70

Pedro Martinez features a fantastic delivery and an elite pitch mix of Fastball, Circle Change, Slow Curve, Slider, and Cutter. His only potential weaknesses are H/9 and K/9 against left-handed batters—though a 75 K/9 is still respectable.

He possesses terrifying 97/95 splits against righties, and his high Pitch Clutch and Stamina mean he rarely falters. If he's on the mound against you, you know you're in for a tough game.

No.3: 88 OVR Roger Clemens SP

• H/9 Right: 84
• H/9 Left: 85
• K/9 Right: 80
• K/9 Left: 82
• Control: 57
• Pitch Clutch: 99
• Stamina: 100
• Velocity: 99
• Break: 95
• Stuff: 81
• HR/9: 85
• BB/9: 57

Roger Clemens has historically been one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. His mix of Fastball, Splitter, Slider, Curveball, and Sinker is impeccable. Nearly all his stats are excellent, with the sole drawback being Control, which can be boosted through Parallel Boost.

Even though heavy use of his cards in previous years might have made his delivery familiar to some opponents, his early-game performance is still sensational. It's highly recommended to prioritize completing Blue Jays Team Affinity collection, saving you MLB the Show 26 stubs that you would otherwise need for acquiring quality pitchers.

No.2: 88 OVR Billy Wagner CP

• H/9 Right: 107
• H/9 Left: 80
• K/9 Right: 83
• K/9 Left: 94
• Control: 74
• Pitch Clutch: 109
• Stamina: 26
• Velocity: 97
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 88
• HR/9: 71
• BB/9: 74

Billy Wagner comes with a Fastball, Slider, Changeup, and Curveball, and his key stats are all strong. Most critically, as a left-handed reliever, he is invaluable in the current environment saturated with elite left-handed hitters. Whether facing Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, or Bryce Harper, he can hold his own.

No.1: 88 OVR Al Leiter SP

• H/9 Right: 106
• H/9 Left: 70
• K/9 Right: 96
• K/9 Left: 84
• Control: 53
• Pitch Clutch: 93
• Stamina: 93
• Velocity: 90
• Break: 94
• Stuff: 82
• HR/9: 79
• BB/9: 53

Al Leiter is unquestionably the top pitcher in this Team Affinity lineup. His deception on the mound is outstanding. Following a 94 mph Sinker with an 82 mph Changeup, then an 89 mph Cutter, creates a velocity variance that hitters will struggle to adjust to. Control is his biggest shortcoming, but Parallel Boost can address that.

This ranking isn't absolute, just a reference point. Feel free to slot your own favorite pitcher into this list. If you're looking to bolster your rotation or bullpen, these players, free to unlock through Team Affinity, are well worth your attention