MLB The Show 26 All-Star Update XP Guide: The Fastest 5th Inning Farming Route to Unlock Free Diamonds and Save Stubs

Summary

Ever since the MLB The Show 26 Stubs All-Star Update details were revealed, I've been planning how to make the most of Day One. If you're anything like me, it's easy to get distracted when several new programs drop at the same time. I've made that mistake before—jumping between different modes, earning a little XP everywhere, but never progressing efficiently. This time, I'm taking a different approach. By following a clear farming route and stacking multiple objectives in every game, you can unlock free Diamond players, earn 5th Inning XP much faster, and save plenty of MLB The Show 26 Stubs for the next wave of content. If you're aiming to stay ahead in Diamond Dynasty, this is the strategy I'd recommend following from the moment the update goes live.

1. Prepare Before the Update Goes Live

A little preparation before July 9 can save hours later. Build a lineup filled with your best power hitters, check which players are eligible for the Moonshot Event, and avoid spending all of your MLB The Show 26 Stubs before launch. If you still have unopened reward packs, open them first—you might pull useful cards that eliminate the need for expensive market purchases.

2. Claim Every Free Reward First

Once the update arrives, resist the urge to jump straight into gameplay. Visit the Show Shop to claim the All-Star Prediction Choice Pack, then check your inbox for any Scouting Report rewards. These free packs can provide collection pieces, sellable cards, and extra resources that make the early grind much easier.

Even if you don't pull a superstar, every free card helps strengthen your roster without spending Stubs.

3. Follow the Best 5th Inning XP Farming Route

The most efficient progression route is simple:

All-Star Conquest → Build Your Lineup → Moonshot Event → Mini Seasons

Start with All-Star Conquest because it offers free packs, Diamond players, and program progress. Focus on clearing strongholds quickly instead of playing on higher difficulties. The goal is to unlock rewards as fast as possible rather than chasing difficult wins.

Once you've added your free All-Star cards, move directly into the Moonshot Event.

4. Moonshot Event Is the Best XP Farm

The Moonshot Event is where your XP gains accelerate.

Power hitters facing weaker pitching means more home runs, extra-base hits, RBIs, Parallel XP, and player mission progress—all in the same games. Stack your strongest sluggers at the top of the lineup and prioritize offensive production over everything else.

Instead of grinding separate objectives, Moonshot allows you to complete multiple programs simultaneously, making it one of the fastest ways to progress through the 5th Inning Reward Path.

5. Save Your Stubs for the Next Wave of Content

One of the biggest mistakes during every All-Star Update is panic buying.

New All-Star cards usually reach their highest prices on Day One because demand is far greater than supply. Rather than spending heavily, complete programs first, collect free rewards, and wait for the market to stabilize.

Keeping a healthy Stub balance will also prepare you for upcoming MLB Draft content, where new players could become valuable additions to your Diamond Dynasty roster.

6. Final Thoughts

With the right preparation and a smart farming route, the buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs All-Star Update becomes much more rewarding. Build your lineup carefully, stack objectives whenever possible, and let every game move you closer to free Diamond players, faster 5th Inning XP, and long-term success in Diamond Dynasty. Players who stay patient and maximize every activity will progress much faster than those who simply chase the newest cards on launch day.