08-28-2026, 09:08 AM
MLB The Show 26's Pipeline Program is a nice change of pace for players who enjoy building a team around tomorrow's stars rather than yesterday's names. Five cards are available at no cost, and each one brings a different skill set to the field. If you're planning how to improve your roster without draining your resources, MLB 26 stubs can help you make room for these rewards while you work through the program. The biggest early talking points are Alfredo Duno's power and Caleb Bonemer's surprising pop at shortstop.
Two bats worth chasing early
Duno is the 99-rated catcher many players will want behind the plate. The Cincinnati Reds prospect signed out of Venezuela in 2023 and has already shown the kind of strength that stands out in any mode. A 487-foot homer this season tells you plenty, but his.901 OPS in Double-A matters just as much. He is not simply a slugger with one useful trait. At only 20, Duno gives lineups a middle-order option who can punish mistakes and still offer value from a demanding position.
Bonemer brings real lineup value
Bonemer's card may be even more useful for players trying to balance offense and defense. The White Sox shortstop posted a.933 OPS with 31 home runs in 408 at-bats, which is a huge return for someone playing up the middle. In game terms, that means you do not have to hide his bat at the bottom of the order. He can drive in runs, cover shortstop, and save you from moving another strong hitter out of position. That kind of flexibility is easy to appreciate after a few close games.
How the other rewards fit
Josiah Hartshorn offers switch-hitting ability, corner infield coverage, and a .906 OPS in A-ball.
Tyler Bremner gives rotations a right-handed starter with a deep pitch mix and first-round pedigree.
Eli Willits adds speed, contact, plate discipline, and shortstop defense at the top of a lineup.
Hartshorn's 98 rating makes him a handy bench piece or everyday option, especially when matchups matter. Bremner is more of a projection play. His 4.71 Double-A ERA is not perfect, yet his pitch selection and draft status suggest plenty of room to grow. Willits, the first pick in the 2025 draft, feels built for players who like pressure on the bases. He reached an.879 OPS in A-ball at 18, and his switch-hitting profile should translate well.
A useful free path for team builders
The appeal here is not only the ratings. These cards let you test different roster ideas without giving up a large amount of currency. Duno can anchor the order, Bonemer can steady the infield, and Willits can create chances before the power hitters step in. Add Hartshorn for matchup flexibility and Bremner for rotation depth, then the program starts to look like a genuine long-term investment. If you want extra room for lineup moves while pursuing the rewards, you can buy MLB 26 stubs and keep your squad flexible.
Two bats worth chasing early
Duno is the 99-rated catcher many players will want behind the plate. The Cincinnati Reds prospect signed out of Venezuela in 2023 and has already shown the kind of strength that stands out in any mode. A 487-foot homer this season tells you plenty, but his.901 OPS in Double-A matters just as much. He is not simply a slugger with one useful trait. At only 20, Duno gives lineups a middle-order option who can punish mistakes and still offer value from a demanding position.
Bonemer brings real lineup value
Bonemer's card may be even more useful for players trying to balance offense and defense. The White Sox shortstop posted a.933 OPS with 31 home runs in 408 at-bats, which is a huge return for someone playing up the middle. In game terms, that means you do not have to hide his bat at the bottom of the order. He can drive in runs, cover shortstop, and save you from moving another strong hitter out of position. That kind of flexibility is easy to appreciate after a few close games.
How the other rewards fit
Josiah Hartshorn offers switch-hitting ability, corner infield coverage, and a .906 OPS in A-ball.
Tyler Bremner gives rotations a right-handed starter with a deep pitch mix and first-round pedigree.
Eli Willits adds speed, contact, plate discipline, and shortstop defense at the top of a lineup.
Hartshorn's 98 rating makes him a handy bench piece or everyday option, especially when matchups matter. Bremner is more of a projection play. His 4.71 Double-A ERA is not perfect, yet his pitch selection and draft status suggest plenty of room to grow. Willits, the first pick in the 2025 draft, feels built for players who like pressure on the bases. He reached an.879 OPS in A-ball at 18, and his switch-hitting profile should translate well.
A useful free path for team builders
The appeal here is not only the ratings. These cards let you test different roster ideas without giving up a large amount of currency. Duno can anchor the order, Bonemer can steady the infield, and Willits can create chances before the power hitters step in. Add Hartshorn for matchup flexibility and Bremner for rotation depth, then the program starts to look like a genuine long-term investment. If you want extra room for lineup moves while pursuing the rewards, you can buy MLB 26 stubs and keep your squad flexible.