Group Admins
The September 11 roster update changed the shape of the Live Series pool in MLB The Show 26. More than 700 ratings moved, and four Gold cards crossed into Diamond territory: Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo. That’s a useful update, but a higher rating alone doesn’t tell you who belongs on your squad. The better question is whether a player’s strengths address a real weakness in your lineup or rotation. Before spending MLB 26 Stubs, take a closer look at what each card actually offers.
Elly Gives Shortstop a Different Look
Elly De La Cruz climbed from 83 to 85 OVR, with his biggest gains coming against left-handed pitching. His Contact vs LHP now sits at 96, and Power vs LHP rose to 82. Those numbers make him an appealing switch-hitting option, especially if you often face left-handed starters and want a hitter who doesn’t have to change sides at the plate.
There’s more to his appeal than the bat. Elly brings speed and defensive mobility to shortstop, a position where finding a player who contributes in several ways can be difficult. If you like taking an extra base or putting pressure on the defense, his athleticism may suit your style. Still, don’t assume the Diamond label makes him an automatic starter. Compare his attributes with the shortstop you already use, and decide whether the upgrade matters where it counts for your team.
Two Outfielders, Two Useful Fits
Michael Harris II and Jackson Chourio both reached 85 OVR, but they’re not interchangeable. Harris II moved up from 84, and his Contact vs RHP improved from 81 to 87. He offers a steady center-field profile, with contact hitting and the range to cover ground. That can be valuable even on days when his bat isn’t carrying the lineup. If you need a reliable center fielder rather than another all-or-nothing power bat, Harris is an easy card to consider.
Chourio also rose from 84 to 85 OVR. His Contact vs RHP increased from 69 to 76, and Vision and Clutch improved as well. His calling card is flexibility: his athleticism and ability to play across the outfield give you more ways to arrange your lineup around matchups. He may be a better fit when your roster already has enough power and could use speed or defensive coverage. Before using your resources, check whether that flexibility solves a problem you actually have.
Luzardo Strengthens the Rotation
Jesús Luzardo made the biggest jump of the group, moving from 84 to 87 OVR. The left-handed starter’s Pitching Clutch rose to 79, H/9 against right-handed hitters reached 65, and K/9 against left-handed hitters climbed to 84. That makes him a distinct option from the three position players: he’s a potential rotation addition, not a lineup adjustment.
His updated ratings are worth weighing if your rotation needs another left-hander or you want more pitching depth. But the overall boost doesn’t settle the decision by itself. Think about which starters you trust, how you like to pitch, and what alternatives are already available to you. A card can look strong on paper and still be a poor fit for the way you play.
Final Thoughts
These four upgrades offer different answers to different roster questions. Elly brings switch-hitting and speed to shortstop; Harris gives center field a balanced contact-and-defense option; Chourio adds athleticism and outfield flexibility; and Luzardo offers a left-handed arm for the rotation. Start with the position you most need to improve, then compare the player’s ratings with the card you’d be replacing. Live Series ratings can shift again as the season moves along, so keeping some flexibility in your plans can pay off. Whether you’re weighing one of these new Diamonds or planning to buy MLB Stubs, choose based on the role your roster needs, not just the newest rating.
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