What Are Stubs, and Why Do I Need Them?

Before diving into the best ways to find cheap early-season offers, let’s quickly go over what Stubs are and why they are so important.

Stubs are the in-game currency of MLB The Show 26. You use them to buy packs, which contain players, equipment, and other useful items. Stubs are also necessary for buying specific players directly from the marketplace. Since acquiring these Stubs usually involves grinding, completing challenges, or spending real money, maximizing their value is crucial, especially at the start of the season when the player pool is fresh, and the economy is still stabilizing.

How Do Early Season Offers Work?

Early in MLB The Show 26, the game’s economy is still in its infancy. The supply of cards is limited, and so are the ways you can earn Stubs. Players typically look for the best deals on early-season packs, sales, or promotions. This is the time when the game is rolling out new content like live series cards, flashbacks, and special offers. The game usually runs events that reward players with more Stubs or unique cards, but these opportunities don’t last forever.

Here’s where things get a bit tricky: prices can be a bit higher early on because of the lower availability of cards and the excitement surrounding new content. But there are still ways to get cheap offers without wasting your Stubs on overpriced items.

How Can I Find Cheap Early Season Offers for Stubs?

Now let’s talk about how to find good deals early in the season. Since MLB The Show 26 operates on a dynamic marketplace system, prices for Stubs and items will change based on player demand and availability. Here are some ways to maximize your Stubs early in the season:

1. Monitor Special Promotions

At the beginning of the season, MLB The Show 26 often runs special promotions. These might include discounted packs, bonus Stubs with certain purchases, or special limited-time offers. If you keep an eye on these, you can snag packs or other items at a fraction of the usual cost.

You can also look for discounts on packs during flash sales or when new content drops. Early in the season, these events are a great way to increase your Stubs without overspending.

2. Take Advantage of the Market's Early Instability

At the start of the season, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the marketplace. This can work to your advantage if you’re patient. Early-season prices may fluctuate heavily as the game’s player base figures out what’s worth buying and selling. Players are also figuring out which cards will perform well, which leads to price volatility.

If you're looking to buy specific players or cards early in the season, try to be patient. Prices may drop as players settle in, especially when the first major market crash happens when people begin selling off cards they've over-invested in. It’s a great idea to keep an eye on prices, and sometimes it’s worth waiting a bit to buy your cards at a more affordable price.

3. Use Community Marketplaces or a MLB The Show 26 Stubs Seller

While the in-game marketplace is the obvious choice, there are other ways to purchase Stubs or items for a better deal. You can look at external sites that act as MLB The Show 26 stubs sellers, offering lower prices for Stubs than what you’d typically pay through the game’s own store. Be cautious when buying from third-party sellers, though, and make sure the seller is trustworthy. There’s a risk of encountering scams, so always double-check reviews and ratings before making any purchases.

4. Participate in In-Game Events

MLB The Show 26 regularly runs events where you can earn rewards like Stubs, player packs, or special cards by completing specific objectives. Participating in these events can help you build your collection without spending too many Stubs upfront. Some events also offer special player cards that are more affordable compared to buying them directly from the marketplace.

Focus on completing these events early in the season to build up your Stubs and collection at the same time.

5. Avoid Overpaying for the Hottest Cards Early On

When the game first releases, some players will rush to buy the “best” cards, which often means that prices skyrocket in the early weeks. Don’t get caught up in this rush. Sure, a player like Mike Trout may seem tempting, but prices can come down once the initial hype settles.

Instead, focus on finding cards that will give you good value for your Stubs—cards that might not be top-tier but still perform well on the field. A lot of times, the best value can come from underrated or lesser-known players who are still effective.

6. Look for Card Bundles or Pack Deals

Some early-season offers include bundles where you can purchase multiple packs or items at once for a discounted rate. These bundles often provide more value than purchasing individual packs. Look for deals that offer increased chances for better cards or even Stubs back in exchange for completing certain objectives.

Card bundles can be especially useful when you’re aiming to fill out your team quickly and efficiently. While individual packs may be tempting, bundles give you a higher chance to pull useful cards, saving you Stubs in the long run.

7. Check Player Prices Regularly

If you’re looking to buy specific players early on, keep an eye on their prices, especially after the game’s first few weeks. As the meta shifts and players get a better sense of which cards are best, prices may drop. If you’re patient, you could get the players you want at a lower price.

Also, remember that prices will often rise before big tournaments or events. If you can anticipate when a card will be in demand, you might be able to buy early and sell for a profit later.

How Do I Make Sure I’m Getting the Best Value for My Stubs?

In the end, it all comes down to being strategic with your Stubs. The key to making the most of your Stubs is knowing when to buy and when to wait. Early in the season, the market is still in flux, so things might feel a little chaotic. By being patient, checking external offers, and keeping a close eye on in-game events and promotions, you can stretch your Stubs much further than if you simply rushed to buy the first cards that catch your eye.

Additionally, don’t forget to focus on the long-term goals of your team. The early season is an excellent time to build a solid foundation, but as the year progresses, you’ll have more opportunities to use Stubs for upgrades, packs, or additional player purchases.

MLB The Show 26 is an exciting game, but the early season can be a tricky time to navigate. With some strategic planning, though, you can get the most value out of your Stubs. Monitor events, take advantage of promotions, and keep an eye on the marketplace to find the best deals. Whether you’re a casual player or a more competitive one, patience and a little bit of research can save you a lot of Stubs in the long run.