Top Trade Targets
- James Wood (OF, Washington Nationals)
Wood is one of the brightest young stars in the game. His combination of raw power and consistent contact makes him a future perennial All-Star. Lock him down early before his value skyrockets. - Harry Ford (C, Washington Nationals)
Catcher is always tough to fill. Ford’s elite defense and hitting potential make him a cornerstone for any lineup. Think of him as your franchise’s long-term backstop. - Zach Neto (SS, Los Angeles Angels)
Often cheap on a one-year deal, Neto develops into an MVP-caliber shortstop. He’s ideal for teams looking to combine cost-efficiency with elite performance. - Coby Mayo (1B/3B, Baltimore Orioles)
Mayo offers power and versatility. Acquire him before he hits the majors—he’s especially valuable for covering multiple corner infield positions. - Marcelo Mayer (2B/3B, Boston Red Sox)
Mayer is a five-tool infielder who Boston often undervalues due to their deep prospect pool. He’s perfect for boosting both offense and defense in your middle infield.
Strategic Roster Moves
- The “Lauer” Glitch
Toronto reliever Eric Lauer is rated 73 OVR as a reliever, but his 60 stamina allows you to convert him into a starter. This bumps his rating to roughly 81 OVR SP—a hidden early-game gem for rotation depth. - Target Rebuild Teams
Teams in transition often have high-upside prospects available:- Athletics: Leo De Vries (SS, top 5 prospect) or breakout 1B Nick Kurtz.
- Pirates: Paul Skenes (99 OVR) is the ultimate anchor for any rotation—difficult but worth the push.
- Leverage Secondary Positions
The new AI logic favors players with multiple secondary positions. Utility players like Nico Hoerner or Ketel Marte give you lineup flexibility, especially during injury-heavy stretches.
Elite Players to Build Around
If you have the trade capital, these Live Series stars will anchor your franchise for years:
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | TWP/DH | 99 | Best two-way player in history |
| Aaron Judge | RF/CF | 99 | Elite raw power vs. both sides |
| Bobby Witt Jr. | SS | 99 | Premier speed and contact tool |
| Tarik Skubal | SP | 99 | Reigning AL Cy Young winner |
Pro Tip: Mix high-rated stars with young, undervalued prospects. Use the Trade Hub’s four slots to run multiple deals at once. This maximizes flexibility and lets you strike when the market is right.
With smart trades, utility depth, and the occasional “glitch” maneuver, your Franchise Mode team in MLB The Show 26 can dominate for seasons to come.
