The September 11 roster update changed the Live Series picture in MLB The Show 26. More than 700 player ratings shifted, and four Gold cards moved into Diamond territory: Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo. That's a meaningful update, but a higher overall rating doesn't automatically make a card the right fit. Before you spend resources, take a look at what each player actually adds to your lineup. If you're weighing a market move, MLB 26 Stubs may be part of that decision, but your roster needs should come first.
Elly De La Cruz Brings Speed to Shortstop
De La Cruz rose from 83 to 85 OVR, with much of the appeal coming from his tools rather than one standout number. He switch-hits, plays shortstop, and can put pressure on a defense once he reaches base. The update also improved his numbers against left-handed pitchers: Contact vs LHP is now 96, and Power vs LHP is 82. That gives him a more useful matchup profile when the opposing starter throws left-handed. You'll notice his value most if your current shortstop feels slow or offers little at the plate. He won't suit every lineup, though. If you already have a reliable shortstop and prefer a patient, power-first hitter, the upgrade may not change much for you.
Harris and Chourio Fill Different Outfield Needs
Michael Harris II and Jackson Chourio both reached 85 OVR, but they offer different reasons to make room for them. Harris moved up from 84, and his Contact vs RHP climbed from 81 to 87. That contact boost sits alongside his speed and center-field coverage, giving him a steady profile for a lineup that needs a dependable everyday option. He can help even when he isn't carrying the offense; range in center field matters over a full game.
Chourio also rose from 84 to 85. His Contact vs RHP improved from 69 to 76, with additional gains in Vision and Clutch. His athleticism and ability to cover multiple outfield spots make him easier to fit around other players. That flexibility is handy if you switch your lineup to suit a matchup or need to move someone out of position. Chourio may be the better choice when your outfield lacks speed and options. Harris is a more natural fit when center field needs both steady defense and improved contact. Neither has to be the flashiest card on your team to earn a spot.
Luzardo Gives the Rotation a Left-Handed Option
Jesús Luzardo made the largest overall jump of the four, going from 84 to 87 OVR. The left-handed starter's Pitching Clutch is now 79, his H/9 against right-handed hitters reached 65, and his K/9 against left-handed hitters climbed to 84. Those changes give him a clear role: strengthening a rotation that could use another lefty and a different look for opposing batters. Still, overall rating alone shouldn't decide who starts. Think about the pitchers you already trust, how you like to attack hitters, and whether Luzardo's attributes match that approach. If your rotation is already deep, one more Diamond may have less impact than fixing a weak position-player spot.
Final Thoughts
These four upgrades don't point to one obvious pick. De La Cruz brings a fast, switch-hitting shortstop; Harris offers contact and center-field coverage; Chourio adds speed and flexibility; Luzardo strengthens the left side of a rotation. Start with the part of your roster that gives you trouble in actual games. A strong new card can still sit on the bench if its role overlaps with a player you already like. Compare attributes, consider matchups, and make the move that solves a real need rather than chasing OVR by itself. Players planning to use MLB The Show 26 Stubs for sale should keep that same roster-first approach in mind.
