30.01.2026, 03:05
In MLB The Show 26, building a solid team is key, but one area that’s often overlooked by players is the bench. A strong bench can provide flexibility and boost your team’s performance, especially when it comes to pinch-hitting or defensive replacements. However, making smart moves with your bench without breaking the bank is a common challenge, especially if you're working within the limits of your stubs. Let’s break down how to build a competitive bench without spending all your stubs.
Why is a Good Bench Important?
The bench in MLB The Show 26 is crucial for several reasons. Whether you’re making in-game adjustments, dealing with injuries, or needing a clutch hit, the bench plays an essential role. While your starting lineup gets most of the attention, having reliable backups ensures you don’t miss opportunities when your star players need a rest or when you're facing tough matchups.
A good bench allows you to:
Pinch-hit effectively: Having a few powerful hitters on the bench can be a game-changer, especially when facing tough pitchers.
Defensive flexibility: A backup player with great fielding abilities can help you out late in the game.
Cover injuries: Injuries are a part of the game, and having reliable backups prevents you from scrambling when they happen.
Building a strong bench doesn’t mean you need to go out and get the most expensive players on the market. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance of utility and performance, all while being mindful of your budget.
How Many Bench Spots Do I Need to Fill?
In MLB The Show 26, you can carry up to five players on your bench. These five spots should ideally include:
A Backup Catcher: It’s good practice to have someone who can replace your starting catcher late in the game if needed.
A Pinch-Hitter: A strong hitter who can step up and hit in clutch situations.
A Defensive Replacement: Someone with great fielding ratings, especially if you need to make a late-game substitution.
Utility Player: A versatile player who can fill in across multiple positions.
Backup Speedster: A player who can pinch-run if you're trying to steal a base late in the game.
What Should I Look for in Bench Players?
When assembling your bench, there are a few key qualities to prioritize:
Good Contact or Power: Pinch-hitting is the main role for a lot of bench players. If you’re going for a clutch hit, you want someone with decent power or contact stats. Players who can drive the ball out of the park or make consistent contact with a variety of pitches will give you the best chance in key moments.
Defensive Ratings: If you’re picking a defensive replacement, focus on players with strong fielding stats, especially in positions that are most likely to come into play in close games. This includes outfielders with good range or infielders with great reactions.
Flexibility: A utility player who can fill in at multiple positions offers more value. Having someone who can play first base, second base, and shortstop gives you flexibility when you need it.
Speed: A backup player with good speed can be a key pinch-runner. A fast player can steal bases late in games, creating more scoring opportunities.
Affordability: This is probably the most important factor. There are plenty of solid bench players in MLB The Show 26 who won’t cost you much in stubs. A lot of high-value, budget-friendly players can be found through sets, programs, or even the marketplace without needing to spend big.
How Can I Find Budget-Friendly Bench Players?
Finding budget-friendly players requires a bit of patience and searching. You can pick up solid bench pieces without spending a ton of stubs if you know where to look.
Look for Lower-Rated Players: Don’t overlook gold or silver-rated players. Some of these players have high stats in certain areas that are useful for the bench. For example, a silver-rated player with 90+ contact or power could be a steal for pinch-hitting, even if their overall rating is lower.
Check for Program Rewards: Keep an eye on programs and rewards. These are often a great source of decent bench players without spending stubs. Some of the best budget options can be found here if you grind through the challenges and missions.
Monitor the Market for Deals: MLB The Show 26’s marketplace fluctuates, so prices can go up and down. If you’re patient and monitor the MLB The Show 26 stubs price over a period of time, you may be able to snag some deals. Sometimes players’ prices drop after a new set or program release, so buying at the right time can save you a lot of stubs.
Use Exchange Programs: Many exchange programs allow you to trade in low-tier cards for higher-rated ones. If you’ve been accumulating duplicates or low-rated cards, using them in exchanges can net you players who are useful for your bench.
Use Your Daily Login Bonuses: Logging in daily and completing missions can reward you with players or packs that can bolster your bench. It’s a small but consistent way to improve your team without spending stubs.
What Are Some Good Bench Player Recommendations?
Here are a few types of players to consider for specific roles on your bench:
Backup Catcher: A gold or silver player with decent defense and contact will usually be your best option. Some examples of affordable catchers who provide solid defense and hitting include backup options that you can find in the low to mid-tier range.
Pinch-Hitter: For pinch-hitting, focus on players with high power. Silver players like those with 80+ power stats can give you the best shot at a clutch home run. Look for players with an above-average contact rating too, since that will help you get on base in critical situations.
Defensive Replacement: The best players for this role often have high fielding, arm strength, and reaction time. Outfielders like a silver player with 80+ fielding or a shortstop with 90+ range can be great budget options.
Utility Player: A silver or gold player who can cover multiple positions will offer the most flexibility. Look for a player with decent stats in both fielding and hitting, and a versatile skill set.
Backup Speedster: For this spot, prioritize players with good speed and base-running stats. Even a bronze or low silver player with 85+ speed can be a game-changer for stealing bases late in the game.
Should I Focus on Player Chemistry?
Player chemistry can add value to your bench, especially when it comes to team boosts. But don't let it be the deciding factor for building your bench—having the right players for pinch-hitting, defense, and speed is more important. Focus on getting the best possible players for each role, and if you can add in some chemistry bonuses along the way, that’s just a bonus.
Building a strong bench in MLB The Show 26 doesn’t have to cost you a lot of stubs. By prioritizing flexibility, good contact/power stats, defense, and speed, you can create a well-rounded bench that helps you in clutch moments without going broke. Be patient, look for deals, and focus on the specific roles you need to fill. With a little strategy, you’ll have a reliable bench ready for any situation in no time.
Why is a Good Bench Important?
The bench in MLB The Show 26 is crucial for several reasons. Whether you’re making in-game adjustments, dealing with injuries, or needing a clutch hit, the bench plays an essential role. While your starting lineup gets most of the attention, having reliable backups ensures you don’t miss opportunities when your star players need a rest or when you're facing tough matchups.
A good bench allows you to:
Pinch-hit effectively: Having a few powerful hitters on the bench can be a game-changer, especially when facing tough pitchers.
Defensive flexibility: A backup player with great fielding abilities can help you out late in the game.
Cover injuries: Injuries are a part of the game, and having reliable backups prevents you from scrambling when they happen.
Building a strong bench doesn’t mean you need to go out and get the most expensive players on the market. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance of utility and performance, all while being mindful of your budget.
How Many Bench Spots Do I Need to Fill?
In MLB The Show 26, you can carry up to five players on your bench. These five spots should ideally include:
A Backup Catcher: It’s good practice to have someone who can replace your starting catcher late in the game if needed.
A Pinch-Hitter: A strong hitter who can step up and hit in clutch situations.
A Defensive Replacement: Someone with great fielding ratings, especially if you need to make a late-game substitution.
Utility Player: A versatile player who can fill in across multiple positions.
Backup Speedster: A player who can pinch-run if you're trying to steal a base late in the game.
What Should I Look for in Bench Players?
When assembling your bench, there are a few key qualities to prioritize:
Good Contact or Power: Pinch-hitting is the main role for a lot of bench players. If you’re going for a clutch hit, you want someone with decent power or contact stats. Players who can drive the ball out of the park or make consistent contact with a variety of pitches will give you the best chance in key moments.
Defensive Ratings: If you’re picking a defensive replacement, focus on players with strong fielding stats, especially in positions that are most likely to come into play in close games. This includes outfielders with good range or infielders with great reactions.
Flexibility: A utility player who can fill in at multiple positions offers more value. Having someone who can play first base, second base, and shortstop gives you flexibility when you need it.
Speed: A backup player with good speed can be a key pinch-runner. A fast player can steal bases late in games, creating more scoring opportunities.
Affordability: This is probably the most important factor. There are plenty of solid bench players in MLB The Show 26 who won’t cost you much in stubs. A lot of high-value, budget-friendly players can be found through sets, programs, or even the marketplace without needing to spend big.
How Can I Find Budget-Friendly Bench Players?
Finding budget-friendly players requires a bit of patience and searching. You can pick up solid bench pieces without spending a ton of stubs if you know where to look.
Look for Lower-Rated Players: Don’t overlook gold or silver-rated players. Some of these players have high stats in certain areas that are useful for the bench. For example, a silver-rated player with 90+ contact or power could be a steal for pinch-hitting, even if their overall rating is lower.
Check for Program Rewards: Keep an eye on programs and rewards. These are often a great source of decent bench players without spending stubs. Some of the best budget options can be found here if you grind through the challenges and missions.
Monitor the Market for Deals: MLB The Show 26’s marketplace fluctuates, so prices can go up and down. If you’re patient and monitor the MLB The Show 26 stubs price over a period of time, you may be able to snag some deals. Sometimes players’ prices drop after a new set or program release, so buying at the right time can save you a lot of stubs.
Use Exchange Programs: Many exchange programs allow you to trade in low-tier cards for higher-rated ones. If you’ve been accumulating duplicates or low-rated cards, using them in exchanges can net you players who are useful for your bench.
Use Your Daily Login Bonuses: Logging in daily and completing missions can reward you with players or packs that can bolster your bench. It’s a small but consistent way to improve your team without spending stubs.
What Are Some Good Bench Player Recommendations?
Here are a few types of players to consider for specific roles on your bench:
Backup Catcher: A gold or silver player with decent defense and contact will usually be your best option. Some examples of affordable catchers who provide solid defense and hitting include backup options that you can find in the low to mid-tier range.
Pinch-Hitter: For pinch-hitting, focus on players with high power. Silver players like those with 80+ power stats can give you the best shot at a clutch home run. Look for players with an above-average contact rating too, since that will help you get on base in critical situations.
Defensive Replacement: The best players for this role often have high fielding, arm strength, and reaction time. Outfielders like a silver player with 80+ fielding or a shortstop with 90+ range can be great budget options.
Utility Player: A silver or gold player who can cover multiple positions will offer the most flexibility. Look for a player with decent stats in both fielding and hitting, and a versatile skill set.
Backup Speedster: For this spot, prioritize players with good speed and base-running stats. Even a bronze or low silver player with 85+ speed can be a game-changer for stealing bases late in the game.
Should I Focus on Player Chemistry?
Player chemistry can add value to your bench, especially when it comes to team boosts. But don't let it be the deciding factor for building your bench—having the right players for pinch-hitting, defense, and speed is more important. Focus on getting the best possible players for each role, and if you can add in some chemistry bonuses along the way, that’s just a bonus.
Building a strong bench in MLB The Show 26 doesn’t have to cost you a lot of stubs. By prioritizing flexibility, good contact/power stats, defense, and speed, you can create a well-rounded bench that helps you in clutch moments without going broke. Be patient, look for deals, and focus on the specific roles you need to fill. With a little strategy, you’ll have a reliable bench ready for any situation in no time.