The crack of the bat, the smell of the grass, and the frantic clicking of the Marketplace—baseball is officially back. For players of MLB The Show 26, the first few weeks have been a honeymoon phase of discovering new mechanics like "Bear Down" pitching and exploring the expanded Road to the Show. But the honeymoon ends on May 8.
This Friday marks the first major Roster Update of the season. For the uninitiated, this is when San Diego Studio (SDS) adjusts player attributes based on real-world performance. It is the single most important day for "Stub" investors. Turning a stash of 84-rated Gold cards into 85-rated Diamonds can yield a massive profit.
Here is who you should be watching as we approach the first big shift of the 2026 cycle.
The Crown Jewel: Elly De La Cruz (SS, Cincinnati Reds)
If you haven't been watching the Reds this year, you’re missing a masterclass in evolution. Elly De La Cruz entered MLB 26 as a high-tier Gold (84), held back primarily by his high strikeout rate from previous seasons.
However, through the first month of 2026, Elly has shown a refined eye at the plate. His K-rate has plummeted, and his walk rate is at a career high. In The Show terms, this means a massive boost to Vision and Discipline. When you combine improved contact with his 99 Speed and 99 Arm Strength, Elly isn’t just becoming a Diamond—he’s becoming the best card in the game.
The Pitching Lock: Shota Imanaga (SP, Chicago Cubs)
"The Throwing Philosopher" continues to defy logic. While many expected a regression in his second full MLB season, Imanaga has lowered his ERA even further. His 83 Gold rating feels like a relic of the past. SDS typically looks for sustained dominance in H/9 (Hits per 9 Innings) and K/9 before a Diamond promotion. Imanaga has provided both. Expect him to jump to an 85 or 86, making him a primary target for those looking for a safe "Quick Sell" profit.
The "Sleeper" Powerhouse: Colton Cowser (OF, Baltimore Orioles)
While everyone is looking at the jump to Diamond, the real money is often made in the Silver-to-Gold transition. Colton Cowser is currently a 79 Silver, but his Statcast data is screaming for an upgrade. He leads the league in Hard-Hit Percentage and Barrels. A boost to his Power vs. Righties should easily push him into the low 80s.
A word of advice for the Vocal gaming community: The “Diamond” hype is often priced in by Wednesday. If a player like Tarik Skubal is already selling for 3,500 Stubs in MLB The Show 26 buy stubs, the market has already decided he’s going Diamond. The real profit is found in identifying the players the community hasn’t noticed yet.
Whether you're hunting for Diamonds or just trying to build your theme team, May 8 is going to change the landscape of MLB The Show 26 forever.