Early access for MLB The Show 26 starts this week, and we now have a pretty good idea about all the new stuff coming to the game. San Diego Studios has spent the last few weeks rolling out feature updates to build hype. One of the bigger announcements to come from these updates is the overhaul to Franchise Mode. Now, there’s a brand new Trade Hub and smarter trade logic.
At first glance, this genuinely looks to be a step forward for those who spend hours rebuilding teams. But after the deep dive trailer covering all the changes in Franchise Mode, a lot of players are still left feeling like it’s not enough.
Does Franchise Mode In MLB The Show 26 Have Substantial Changes?
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The biggest new feature in Franchise Mode is the overhaul of the Trade Hub. This is where you’ll be able to analyze offers, rumors, targets, and block trades. Apparently, the trade logic sees some big changes, meaning some of the deals will reflect real MLB seasons. The way teams handle deals depends on their current status in the league.
Player valuations take market size, rivalries, and season standings into account. Trade timing will also matter more, with trade delays and pending offers being more emphasized than instant deals. AI bullpen management and lineup logic are also improved. This probably means that the CPU won’t be quite as brain-dead with relievers or batting orders moving forward. Hopefully, these changes make rebuilding and long-term saves more enjoyable for the players. Yes, a lot of these changes do appear to be minor, but if they are as big a change as SDS claims they are, they will have a big effect on how you trade in Franchise Mode.
The Complaints From Fans
Even with these updates, the persistent feeling in the community right now is that not much feels new for MLB The Show 26. Now, this sentiment stretches beyond just Franchise Mode, but let’s zero in on this specific mode for now. When we initially covered these new additions to Franchise Mode, the Operation Sports community was quick to fire back:
“Oh my. They really only touched trade logic and adjusted bullpen logic? Both features they touted last year? Immensely disappointed. An entire year, and the only changes are improvements to existing game mechanics.”
Some fans are disappointed that there aren’t bigger changes, but others are less surprised:
“As expected, really… really was hoping for more immersion in the franchise. Customized draft classes, non-roster invitees, expanded rosters, and main menu news are all missing. All in all, I’m not thrilled and will likely stick with 25, which I still have fun playing.”
The bigger frustration is that core systems still feel untouched. Fans are asking for things like an Eras mode, customizable leagues, an enhanced stadium creator, or year-to-year saves. Some fans also claim that Diamond Dynasty is the only mode that gets substantial changes, as the core gameplay has been the same for the past 3 to 4 years.
Many players specifically called out the lack of contract options and opt-outs, non-roster invitees, expanded rosters, and main menu news. As usual, the annual sports games prove that it’s hard to make large, sweeping changes when you have a 12-month deadline hanging over you.
It should be noted that we’re still waiting for the release of MLB The Show 26, and that there very well could be some subtle under-the-hood changes that could pay dividends for the overall experience. That said, it’d be a lie to say that any of the announced changes and overhauls are filling us with optimism.
Published: Mar 10, 2026 12:00 pm