Back for MLB The Show 26 are Cornerstone Evolutions in Diamond Dynasty. These cards are generally slightly below the power curve but can be used for theme teams or just fun builds. The first one was released on March 13, 2026, on the early access launch date. However, some things have changed between last year & this year.
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What is different about Cornerstones?
When Sony first introduced Cornerstones in MLB The Show 25, individuals could complete these player programs through a combination of Moments and PXP/stat missions. But to gain access to the Moments, one had to unlock keys to the programs.
These keys were lower-tier OVR cards of the featured players, and these keys were in Inning Programs.
For MLB The Show 26, these keys are not needed. You don’t need to attain certain progress in the active Inning Program or need a specific card to complete all the tasks for a Cornerstone Program.
However, there will only be one released at a time, as opposed to three.
Travis Hafner
The first Cornerstone Program that was released at launch was an 87 OVR of former Indians/Guardians infielder Travis Hafner:
The 87 OVR Hafner is available at the end of the program path. Here is the path, as a whole:
- 10 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack & 5,000 XP
- 20 Points: 500 Stubs
- 30 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack (x2) & 5,000 XP
- 40 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack (x2) & 5,000 XP
- 50 Points: 87 OVR Travis Hafner & 5,000 XP
And now, a look at the tasks:
- Complete five Moments (30 pts. – 6 pts. each)
- Missions:
- Tally six home runs with any player (10 pts.)
- Tally 1,033 PXP with any player (10 pts.)
Another change between ’25 and ’26 is that, unlike last year, there are no team or series-specific Missions. Those Missions are generic and can be completed in the background, as opposed to needing to re-arrange the lineup regularly.
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