If your catcher is costing you outs, Ivan Rodriguez could be the first reward worth chasing in MLB The Show 26's postseason update. His 99 overall Awards Series card pairs 99 fielding with 96 blocking, 99 arm strength and 99 arm accuracy. That's a useful foundation when opponents keep testing your defense. He can hit, too: 111 contact against righties, 125 against lefties and 125 batting clutch. For players budgeting their MLB 26 stubs, working through the Event Program gives this position a clear upgrade path. His 90 and 88 power ratings suggest contact is the bigger attraction.

Pettitte rewards a patient approach

The same Event Program offers 99 overall Andy Pettitte, and his appeal starts with command. You're getting 125 control and 108 stamina, supported by 108 Stuff. His five pitches give you room to change the pace: a 77 mph curve, 82 mph circle change, 90 mph cutter, plus a four-seamer and sinker at 93 mph. The cutter and curve both carry 99 break. Don't expect velocity alone to do the work. Moving between those speeds should be the plan, especially with his hits-per-nine ratings sitting at 100 against righties and 115 against lefties.

A bullpen option with a different look

Postseason Diamond Quest puts Dennis Eckersley within reach for players who prefer that route. His 99 overall Awards card brings 121 control, 111 Stuff and hits-per-nine ratings of 116 against righties and 115 against lefties. The strikeout split is wider: 123 versus righties, 100 versus lefties. From his low three-quarters delivery, an 87 mph slider and 94 mph sinker provide the main pairing, each with 99 break. A 79 mph slurve and 95 mph four-seamer round things out. If your relief corps needs another delivery to show hitters, he's worth a look.

Springer brings power with a fielding tradeoff

George Springer is Diamond Quest's other 99 overall reward, drawing on his 2017 World Series performance. His Classics card has 114 power against righties and 124 against lefties, with contact ratings of 100 and 103. That makes him an appealing option when your lineup needs more extra-base potential. Where you put him deserves some thought, though. His 80 fielding and 88 arm strength come with 68 arm accuracy and 57 speed. A corner spot or designated hitter role may suit your roster better than asking him to cover a spacious center field.

Rodriguez for catcher defense and contact.
Pettitte for rotation depth and pitch variety.
Eckersley for another late-inning option.

Make the offline rewards count

The Postseason Mini Seasons Challenge adds another reason to play offline, with three- or nine-inning games across seven- or twenty-eight-game seasons. Milestones offer XP, Stubs and packs, including Chase Pack 28 featuring Larry Walker. Meanwhile, Mike Trout remains the featured player in Chase Pack 29. Whether you're comparing cheap MLB 26 stubs or saving what you earn, pick the roster gap that matters most before committing resources.