In between the new Spooky content and the upcoming Finest programs, we still get some new and refreshed online rewards. Anyone still plugging away in Ranked has new World Series Choice Pack rewards to choose from, while everyone gets a new Multiplayer Program to rack up free XP, packs, and cards.
Multiplayer Program 9 Rewards and Breakdown
An interesting assortment of player rewards are part of the new Multiplayer Program. Hank Greenberg is earned pretty early on, and the program stretches all the way to Milestone George Brett.
I tell the same story anytime I talk about Josh Gibson, but reading about him in grade school changed my life. The stories about Josh Gibson were amazing, and every part of my childhood self truly believed that Gibson once hit a home run so far that it landed in an outfielder's glove at a different field the next day and Gibson was called out. Josh Gibson might be the first player that truly felt like a legend to me, with how the myths made Gibson seem larger than life.
You'll earn Negro Leagues Josh Gibson at Tier 12 in Multiplayer Program 9.
Representing the current generation, Garrett Crochet gets a Milestone card at Tier 17.
This card seems pretty stellar to me. Elite everything on a big lefty with a bit of funk to his delivery, this Milestone Crochet looks like an absolute joy to pilot online.
The final player card earned in this Multiplayer Program is Hall of Famer George Brett's 99 OVR Milestone card.
As you'd expect on a Milestone card celebrating a batting title, you're getting absurd Contact and Clutch with 125 everything. There's also a very strong 112 POW R to support Brett's righty domination, and he holds his own against lefties.
Solid fielding and subpar speed round out the card. Brett is an old-school player, so the "toolsy" allure of modern players won't be here. But I'll take George Brett on my squad any day, especially a free one that's rewarded just for playing online.
Ranked Seasons 9 World Series Choice Pack Breakdown and Card Review
On the more competitive front of MLB The Show 26, the latest refresh of Ranked rewards accompanies the new Multiplayer Program. Two of the most popular names in Diamond Dynasty get 2026 Finest cards that have become the latest World Series rewards.
99 OVR 2026 Finest Bryce Harper vs 99 OVR 2026 Finest Byron Buxton
Two very different players who aren't too dissimilar offensively, Harper and Buxton do much of the same things from different sides of the plate. Harper's max Clutch of 125 makes him the better hitter, but Buxton brings stronger defense and speed, plus the ability to steal bases.
This pairing as Ranked rewards feels a little odd simply because Buxton not only has a 99 OVR already, but you can still earn it for free by grinding PXP with 2026 All-Star, Draft, and Home Run Derby cards. Harper was a 98 OVR Milestone Chase card that also came out in late June.
That's not a criticism! I'm genuinely curious if this player pairing attracts people to Ranked, or if it's more for the permanent grinders that just want better versions of their favorite players. Personally, I'm more inclined to hop back in for new legends, which sparked the question.
I'm choosing Byron Buxton over most players because of the elite toolset with offensive attributes that are always comparable enough. Harper is plenty good, and I've honestly not used him that much over the years, but Buxton is just too good all-around for me.
So, now I pose the question to you:
Do better versions of modern players that already have "top-end" cards tempt you to play Ranked more, or do you prefer players that haven't gotten their "endgame" cards yet?
