On March 11, Sony released the first part of what’s to come for live content in MLB The Show 26. Among the details released were new changes to Events & Battle Royale, plus a very significant one to Team Affinity.
Events & Battle Royale changes
New to MLB The Show 26 is a different format for Events, a three-inning game mode separate from Ranked Seasons.
Traditionally, Events have had themes, and that will continue for ’26. However, one thing that has remained constant with Events is that one would also run at a specific time. Aside from a one-hour gap in between each one, there was an Event going on at all times.
That won’t be the case for MLB The Show 26. Now, Events will run in limited-time situations.
The first event will start at launch and will also include event-specific programs. Individuals will need to grind stat-based and win-based missions to unlock cards, and even a special card obtainable through Events.
An 88 OVR Brice Turang is the first one available, through the upcoming World Baseball Classic Moonshot Event.
As for Battle Royale, Sony indicated that the change made midseason with the mode will be permanent. For those unaware, Flawless 10-0 packs came with players who were only available to unpack through the game mode. But last season, the development team replaced those options with Chase Pack cards.
For ’26, individuals will receive a Stubs voucher for going 10-0. It will be 50,000 Stubs at launch.
Major changes to Team Affinity
For MLB The Show 25, Team Affinity had one large path called “My Journey.” That path included the initial Jolt Series Captain Card, plus future vouchers for All-Star and Finest cards for all 30 teams. Meaning, 30 different paths.
This year, there will be two separate paths. One is for the #1 Icon path, which will include a mix of assorted PXP and team-related missions designed to get that profile icon. The other includes the Jolt Series Captains.
Each team will get two Captains: a hitting Captain and a pitching Captain. These will be 88 OVR cards.
And, the developers stated that these will be the only Team Affinity drops for ’26.
Lastly, Sony also revealed more new Legends for this year’s game. Journeyman pitcher Jeff Suppan, Travis Hafner, and Wally Joyner are new to the game. Jered Weaver, Mike Moustakas, and Fred McGriff are returning legends.
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