How should I build my roster in the first season?

The biggest mistake I see is trying to “win now” with a mediocre team by trading all your prospects.

Before making any big moves, ask yourself:

• Is this team one or two pieces away?

• Or does it need a reset?

If your MLB roster is full of 29–32 year olds with average ratings, that’s usually a sign to rebuild. In that case:

• Trade expiring contracts early.

• Move veterans at the deadline for A and B potential prospects.

• Don’t worry about Year 1 wins.

If you’re already competitive, focus on adding one reliable starting pitcher and one bullpen arm. Pitching depth matters more than one extra power bat over a long season.

How important is potential compared to overall rating?

Potential matters more than overall in the long run.

A 72 OVR player with A potential is more valuable than a 79 OVR with C potential if you're planning for the future. The key is understanding development curves:

• A and B potential players grow steadily if they play.

• C potential players usually plateau quickly.

• Older players (27+) don’t grow much unless they’re already strong.

If you’re rebuilding, prioritize A and B potential players under age 24. If you’re contending, you can accept lower potential for short-term production.

How do I actually develop prospects properly?

A lot of players assume prospects just grow automatically. They don’t. Playing time matters.

Here’s what works:

1. Don’t stash high-potential players on the MLB bench. They need regular at-bats or innings.

2. In the minors, check their role:

   • Starters need starting roles.

   • Relievers need bullpen roles.

   • Position players need everyday roles.

3. Avoid rushing them. If a 21-year-old is hitting .210 in AAA, leave him there. Development slows if performance drops badly in the majors.

Also pay attention to morale. Low morale can stall growth. Playing time, lineup spot, and team success all influence it.

When should I extend players?

This is one of the most important long-term decisions.

If you have a core player under 28 with A or B potential and strong production, try to extend him before free agency. Contracts get much more expensive once they hit the open market.

But don’t extend everyone.

Avoid:

• Paying big money to players past age 31 unless they’re elite.

• Long deals (7+ years) for pitchers over 30.

• Emotional extensions after one good season.

I usually lock up young stars early and let aging role players walk.

How should I handle free agency?

Free agency is where budgets get destroyed.

Before signing anyone, ask:

• Does this player solve a real need?

• Will this contract block a prospect?

• How will this affect payroll flexibility in 3–4 years?

Overpaying for a 33-year-old slugger may help for one season but can hurt roster flexibility later.

If you’re rebuilding, avoid big free-agent signings entirely. Use short-term contracts and focus on draft development.

If you’re competing, target:

• Mid-tier pitchers with durability.

• Defensive specialists for bench depth.

• Left-handed bullpen arms (they stay useful).

What is the best way to approach the draft?

The draft is the backbone of long-term success.

Here’s how I approach it:

• In early rounds, prioritize high potential over position need.

• Don’t draft based on MLB roster holes.

• In later rounds, look for pitchers with strong individual attributes (velocity or break).

It takes years for draftees to develop. If you draft for short-term needs, you’ll regret it.

Also, track your system balance. If you already have five shortstop prospects, maybe don’t draft another unless he’s clearly better.

How do I manage payroll over multiple seasons?

You should always be thinking two to three years ahead.

Open the salary screen and look at:

• Expiring contracts

• Arbitration players

• Upcoming extensions

A common mistake is stacking long-term deals in the same expiration window. That creates a financial crunch later.

Try to stagger big contracts. If two stars need extensions at the same time, consider trading one early for younger assets rather than losing both.

Some players also use Diamond Dynasty to build currency and resources through different modes, and you’ll see people looking for MLB 26 stubs for sale online. But in Franchise mode, success really comes from smart payroll control and long-term planning, not outside shortcuts.

How do I balance rebuilding and staying competitive?

You don’t always have to fully tank.

A “soft rebuild” works well:

• Trade one or two veterans per season.

• Keep a few leaders for clubhouse morale.

• Stay around .500 while your farm system improves.

This avoids three straight 100-loss seasons and keeps fan interest and budget stable.

Full rebuilds work too, but only if you commit. Don’t half-rebuild. That leads to a roster that’s old and mediocre.

How important is pitching depth?

Very important.

Over a full 162-game season:

• Starters get tired.

• Injuries happen.

• Bullpen arms lose stamina.

I always carry:

• At least 7–8 MLB-ready starters in the organization.

• Multiple optionable relievers.

Rotation depth wins divisions. One ace is not enough.

Should I simulate or play games?

It depends on your goal.

If you want realistic long-term development, simulate most games and manage strategy.

If you play every game and dominate personally, you may inflate player stats unnaturally. That can distort contract demands and development balance.

A hybrid approach works best:

• Play key series.

• Simulate large stretches.

• Jump into close games late.

This keeps stats realistic and still gives you control.

How do I know when to trade a player?

Trade a player when:

• His value is at its peak.

• He’s about to decline due to age.

• You can’t afford his extension.

• You have a younger replacement ready.

Don’t trade just because you’re bored. Make sure the return fits your timeline.

I often trade pitchers one year before free agency if I’m not sure I’ll re-sign them. Pitchers lose value quickly after regression starts.

What does a successful long-term franchise actually look like?

After 6–8 seasons, a healthy franchise usually has:

• A core of 3–5 homegrown players.

• A farm system ranked in the top half of the league.

• Payroll flexibility.

• No aging stars on unmovable contracts.

• Rotation depth.

• Balanced lineup (not just power hitters).

The goal isn’t winning one championship. It’s staying competitive every season.

Managing a franchise in MLB The Show 26 is about patience and timing.

You don’t need to make big moves every year. In fact, restraint is often the smarter play. Focus on player development, protect payroll flexibility, draft wisely, and avoid emotional decisions.

If you think long-term and stay disciplined, your franchise won’t just have a good season — it will stay strong for a decade.