Back in December 2025, Sony hinted at what was ahead for MLB The Show 26 Franchise Mode. Then, SDS noted that improved AI lineup management would be among the new changes coming to the title. And on February 26, 2026, more information on Franchise Mode was revealed.

Market size and trade logic

Franchise Mode will look very different this year, as the developers at San Diego Studios added a new trade hub that will allow players to access the trade block, look at potential targets & postions, and more.

Market size and scarcity will also affect how users acquire players.

Per the team, smaller-market teams will avoid higher-priced players. Additionally, more players available at a particular position could dilute the market and make it easier to obtain one.

This year’s game will feature an untouchables tag. Users can add up to 20 players to indicate that those individuals are not available. Additionally, the player’s valuable formulas have been updated, as well.

SDS also promised newly-refined trade logic for MLB The Show 26, aside from the addition of a fourth trade slot.

However, how that will exactly work will remain to be seen. In the demo footage shown in the deep dive video published on February 26, there were some rather interesting AI trades pulled off, including one featuring a swap of Bailey Ober and Samuel Basallo in a one-for-one deal.

Playoff races and rivalries will have a reported impact on whether teams trade with one another or deal away prospects.

Additionally, catchers, shortstops, and center fielders — high-demand positions given the required skillsets — will carry higher trade values.

Streamlined Franchise

Lastly, Sony introduced a new “streamlined” option for Franchise, a customizable option that will allow players to enter roughly 95 games in a season. However, it is more customizable than March to October.

Per the development team, this change will allow them to focus all their resources on Franchise Mode.

What else?

Sony introduced new logic for reliever controls. Teams can start openers. The team also stated that logic was added to ensure that relievers not used in several days will be thrown into action regardless of circumstances.

However, what was not addressed was whether player/team options were reintroduced into the game. Those were taken out after MLB The Show 24, even though in 25, players who had player/team options on real-life contracts still had those available to them in Franchise Mode.

Nor was there any mention of front-loaded and back-loaded contracts.

Check out more of our gaming coverage, including a look at what’s ahead in the new Backyard Baseball game.