Efficiency Guide to the Cityscapes Program in MLB The Show 26
The Cityscapes program in MLB The Show 26 is one of those content drops that looks overwhelming at first glance. With dozens of cards, a sizable collection reward, and a projected cost ranging anywhere from 250K stubs (with grinding) to potentially 400K (without it), players are left asking the same question: what is actually worth it?
This guide breaks down the entire Cityscapes program—from budget-friendly steals to overpriced traps—while helping you decide how to approach the grind, where to invest your stubs, and which cards can actually improve your Diamond Dynasty squad.
Understanding the Cost and Grind
Before diving into player evaluations, it’s important to frame the economics of this program.
Estimated completion cost: ~250K stubs (with grinding)
No-grind estimate: ~400K stubs (not recommended)
Key player price points:
Jimmy Rollins: ~50K
Jim Edmonds: ~50K (grind-dependent)
Mickey Mantle: ~200K
The biggest takeaway? This program is designed to reward grinding. Conquest maps, MLB The Show 26 Stubs, and future pack drops will gradually reduce market prices, meaning early adopters are paying a premium.
If you're not in a rush, patience alone can save you tens of thousands of stubs.
Low-Tier and Filler Cards: Mostly Skippable
Many Cityscapes cards fall into the “platoon or bench bat” category. These aren’t useless—but they’re not foundational pieces either.
Carlos Cortez
A versatile player on paper, but his low speed (48) severely limits his usability. Defensive flexibility doesn’t matter if he can’t cover ground. Best used as a niche pinch hitter.
Bobby Abreu
Slightly better than Cortez, but still underwhelming. He fits as a platoon outfielder, yet feels overpriced at 25–30K. There are cheaper and more impactful alternatives.
Michael Busch
A decent platoon first baseman with solid power and a respectable swing. If you like his feel at the plate, he’s usable—but not a priority.
Pitching Breakdown: Where Real Value Starts
Pitching is where the Cityscapes program becomes far more interesting. Several arms stand out depending on your skill level and difficulty setting.
Felix Bautista (S Tier)
One of the best relievers in the program.
Outlier sinker (though not on four-seam)
Added cutter—huge for pitch mix unpredictability
Comparable to elite bullpen arms
Despite slightly inconsistent control, the meta currently favors velocity-heavy pitchers. At around 40K, he’s a bargain and a must-have for competitive players.
J.R. Richard (High Risk, High Reward)
Classic boom-or-bust pitcher.
Dominates players who struggle with velocity
Gets crushed by skilled hitters
He’s viable, but matchup-dependent. Think of him as a ladder-climbing tool rather than a long-term ace.
John Franco (A Tier)
A reliable lefty reliever with one major caveat:
Dominates average players
Vulnerable against high-level hitters
He’s consistent, but not foolproof. Best used strategically, not as a bailout arm.
Hunter Brown (B Tier)
A solid mid-tier starter.
Unique hard slider (91–93 mph)
Decent velocity overall
Lacks elite pitch diversity (no cutter)
He won’t carry your rotation, but he won’t sink it either.
Raleigh Fingers (A Tier)
A familiar name with diminishing returns.
Still effective
Increasingly predictable over time
Players have learned how to hit him, making him less dominant than in past iterations.
Aroldis Chapman (Overrated)
One of the most controversial cards in the program.
Slight control improvement over Live Series
No outlier four-seam fastball
The issue? He’s not different enough to justify the cost. Unless you're playing on Legend difficulty, the marginal upgrades won’t matter much.
Tom Glavine (C Tier)
Just average.
Lacks elite pitching tools
Doesn’t match past versions
He’s usable but forgettable—unlikely to crack competitive rotations.
Position Players: Hidden Gems vs Overhyped Names
This is where player preference and swing mechanics really start to matter.
Richie Sexson (A Tier)
One of the better first base options in the program.
Strong power
Usable full-time
Large strike zone, but manageable
He’s a legitimate upgrade if you're lacking a consistent power bat.
Ian Kinsler
Great swing, strong stats—but overshadowed by better second basemen currently available. A “good but not necessary” card.
Jim Edmonds
A nostalgic favorite that doesn’t quite translate.
Limited speed
Better suited for All-Star difficulty
He’s fun, but not optimal in competitive play.
Corey Seager
Reliable swing, decent stats—but third base has stronger options. He’s viable, just not standout.
Chandler Simpson (D Tier)
Speed-only archetype.
99 speed
Weak contact outcomes
Poor defensive reaction
You’re essentially gambling on bunt cheese and infield hits. Not worth it for most players.
Willie McGee (Better Alternative)
A more balanced version of Simpson.
Switch hitter
Slightly better power
Better overall usability
If you want speed, he’s the smarter pick.
Steven Kwan
Contact-focused hitters struggle in the current meta. Without power, you rely too heavily on perfect timing and engine consistency.
Johnny Bench
Consistently underwhelming across multiple game cycles. This version doesn’t change that.
Edgar Martinez
A DH-only profile limits his value significantly. If you need a bench bat, fine—but he won’t transform your lineup.
Catcher Spotlight: JT Realmuto (A Tier)
One of the best surprises in the program.
Strong all-around stats
Viable alternative to top-tier catchers
Good balance of offense and defense
If you’re not locked into a switch-hitting catcher, Realmuto is a top-tier budget choice.
Shortstop Situation: Jimmy Rollins Changes Everything
Shortstop is currently one of the weakest positions in the game—which makes this next card incredibly important.
Jimmy Rollins (S Tier Value)
Even if his stats don’t scream “elite,” context matters.
Switch hitter
Excellent speed
Solid defense
Affordable (~50K)
Compared to alternatives, Rollins stands out immediately. He may not be flashy, but he’s one of the most practical upgrades available.
He also doubles as:
Pinch runner
Bench bat
Secondary position option
If you’re only targeting one Cityscapes card, this should be it.
Program Reward Star: Ian Happ (S Tier)
The standout card of the entire program.
Positional versatility (2B, LF, RF)
Excellent swing
Balanced offensive profile
Solid defensive attributes
Happ fills multiple roster holes at once, making him incredibly valuable. Whether you need a left fielder or a second baseman, he delivers.
He’s arguably:
The best program reward
One of the most flexible players in the game
The Big Question: Is Mickey Mantle Worth It?
Mickey Mantle (A Tier, but Complicated)
On paper:
Elite potential
Switch hitter
Strong across-the-board stats
In practice:
Requires heavy investment (~200K)
Needs upgrades (Parallel system) to reach full potential
Not clearly better than cheaper alternatives
Mantle is a long-term investment. If fully upgraded, he becomes elite—but that requires time, effort, and gameplay volume.
Recommendation:
Skip him for now. His price will drop, and better options exist for immediate impact.
Final Strategy: What You Should Actually Do
If you’re approaching Cityscapes efficiently, here’s the optimal plan:
Must-Get Players
Ian Happ
Jimmy Rollins
Felix Bautista
JT Realmuto
Solid Optional Picks
Richie Sexson
John Franco
Hunter Brown
Situational or Skippable
Aroldis Chapman (overpriced)
Jim Edmonds
Corey Seager
Chandler Simpson
Johnny Bench
Avoid for Now
Mickey Mantle (wait for price drop)
Final Thoughts
The Cityscapes program in MLB The Show 26 is a mix of elite value and inflated hype. While the collection reward (Mantle) may grab headlines, the real strength lies in mid-tier accessibility and smart roster upgrades buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs.
Players like Ian Happ and Jimmy Rollins offer immediate impact without draining your stub balance, while pitchers like Felix Bautista can anchor your bullpen for weeks.
The key is discipline:
Don’t chase hype
Don’t overspend early
Prioritize versatility and consistency
If you play it smart, Cityscapes isn’t just another grind—it’s a chance to build a competitive team without breaking your stub bank.