Group Admins
MLB The Show 26 has added another elite reward to Diamond Dynasty with the arrival of Milestone CC Sabathia. The 99 OVR Red Diamond starting pitcher is part of the new 7th Inning XP Path, which went live on August 28, 2026. For players building a stronger rotation while saving their MLB Stubs for other upgrades, Sabathia is one of the best rewards available through regular progression. The 7th Inning content update also introduced Prime Brian Dozier and new boss rewards featuring David Wright and Manny Ramirez.
How to Unlock CC Sabathia
CC Sabathia becomes available when you reach 170,000 XP on the 7th Inning Reward Path. The good news is that you are not limited to one specific mode. XP can be earned through most Diamond Dynasty activities, including:
• Conquest
• Mini Seasons
• Events
• Ranked games
• Play vs. CPU
• Program Moments and Missions
• Multiplayer Program objectives
The best approach is to stack multiple goals together. If a program mission asks you to use certain players or complete specific tasks, try to work on those requirements while also progressing through your normal XP rewards.
What Comes After Sabathia?
Sabathia is a major reward, but the 7th Inning Path continues well beyond 170,000 XP. Players can still earn packs, Stubs, an All-Star Game Choice Pack, and eventually the 7th Inning Boss Choice Pack at 300,000 XP.
If you are trying to buy MLB Stubs to improve your lineup, it is still worth pushing through the XP Path first. Free rewards can cover several roster needs and help you decide which positions actually need extra investment. The current program is scheduled to end on September 25, 2026, so there is a limited window to collect everything.
CC Sabathia’s Pitching Attributes
The Milestone Sabathia card is built to dominate from the left side. His standout ratings include:
• 105 Stuff
• 103 H/9 vs. RHB
• 115 H/9 vs. LHB
• 105 K/9 vs. RHB
• 120 K/9 vs. LHB
• 90 Control
• 109 Pitching Clutch
• 111 Stamina
Those numbers make him particularly dangerous against left-handed hitters, but he has enough control and stamina to remain effective against any lineup. Players searching for cheap MLB Stubs may find Sabathia especially valuable because he gives the rotation a high-end option without requiring a Marketplace purchase.
Pitch Arsenal and Best Strategy
Sabathia has five pitches to work with:
• 98 MPH Four-Seam Fastball
• 95 MPH Sinker
• 90 MPH Cutter
• 86 MPH Circle Changeup
• 82 MPH Slurve
The sinker and cutter are excellent for setting up hitters and creating weak contact. Once you establish those faster pitches, the slurve and circle changeup become much harder to read. The slurve is particularly useful as a finishing pitch thanks to its strong break and noticeable change of speed.
Against left-handed batters, Sabathia can be especially frustrating because of his high K/9 rating and strong selection of breaking pitches. His Break Outlier quirk also helps maintain pitch movement when his energy begins to drop, while Homebody and Day Player can provide additional situational advantages.
Does Sabathia Fit a Yankees Theme Team?
Absolutely. Sabathia is a natural choice for Yankees-themed squads and can benefit from captain boosts. Derek Jeter can improve offensive attributes for Yankees hitters, while Andy Pettitte provides useful pitching boosts, including improvements to ratings such as H/9 and K/9.
For players looking at MLB Stubs for sale while planning their next roster moves, Sabathia is a good reason to hold onto some resources. He already gives you an elite left-handed starter through XP progression, allowing you to spend your remaining currency on other positions.
Is the 99 OVR CC Sabathia Worth Unlocking?
Yes. Milestone CC Sabathia is one of the strongest pitching rewards on the current XP Path. His combination of stamina, strikeout ability, clutch performance, and five-pitch mix gives him everything needed to compete in Diamond Dynasty.
If you are already working through the 7th Inning Program, make reaching 170,000 XP one of your priorities. Stack missions, earn XP across different modes, and you can add a complete 99 OVR left-handed starter to your rotation without relying entirely on packs or the Community Market.
As a trusted gaming service platform, U4GM helps players stay up to date with MLB The Show 26 guides and in-game details. Visit https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-26/stubs for exclusive deals and services to upgrade your MLB The Show 26 experience.