MLB The Show 26: The 5 Best Team Affinity Cards (March 2026)

Thankfully, for all looking to excel while not giving into microtransactions, MLB The Show 26 allows Diamond Dynasty players to earn multiple 88-OVR cards via its Team Affinity Programs.

But given how unlocking each of the Team Affinity Captains demands a lot of grinding, knowing which of them excel is vital when looking to quickly build a competitive squad. To help you make the most out of your time, here are the five best Team Affinity cards in MLB The Show 26.

The 5 Best Team Affinity Cards in MLB The Show 26

Larry Walker (88 OVR / Right Field)

• Program: Colorado Rockies
• Quirks: Homebody, Day Player, First Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, Situational Hitter, and Bad Ball Hitter.

Starting with an all-rounder, Larry Walker’s great pairing of reliability at the plate and fielding versatility makes him a great addition to any squad. His Quirk selection, featuring Breaking Ball Hitter, Bad Ball Hitter, Dead Eye, and Situational Hitter, also makes him the perfect pick when looking to counter right-hand pitchers. His swing is butter, too.

Darren O’Day (88 OVR / Relief Pitcher)

• Program: Baltimore Orioles
• Quirks: Road Warrior, Stopper, and Night Player

A menace against right-hand batters and a solid choice when facing lefties, Darren O’Day is considered by many to be the best relief pitcher within the Team Affinity selection due to his submarine delivery. Yes, I know his arsenal might be lacking, with the curveball being an unreliable weapon in the current meta. But don’t worry, his Slider and Sinker combo can take you a long way via their break alone and tunnel most batters in a few swings.

Rich Gossage ( 88 OVR / Closing Pitcher)

• Program: Chicago White Socks
• Quirks: Road Warrior, Day Player, Stopper, and Break Outlier

In a world where managing your bullpen’s energy is a must, Rich Gossage stays true to his fame as an elite closer, capable of clutching down against all types of hitters via his high H/9, K/9, and Clutch stats, as well as his lethal Slider, Sinker, and known 4-Seam fastball. His low control is also a plus for many who like to go for unpredictability over easy-to-telegraph throws.

Al Leiter (88 OVR / Starting Pitcher)

• Program: Miami Marlins
• Quirks: Homebody, Night Player, Stopper, and Pick Off Artist

Did you really think we would not include a starting pitcher here? Well, Al Leiter clinches his spot by being a left-handed pitcher capable of performing what I consider to be the best combination in the game (Sinker + Cutter). As you can see above, his stats are also on the high end, although you might need to pay close attention when faced with elite right-handed hitters.

David Ortiz (88 OVR / First Base)

• Program: Boston Red Socks
• Quirks: Homebody, Night Player, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, Fighter, and Situational Hitter

Closing our list with my absolute Team Affinity Captains highlight, David Ortiz, is a big game hitter boasting enviable Contact attributes and enough Power and Vision to make the most of it. He also has access to all the meta batting Quirks, which can make a difference against highly rated pitchers. Just make sure to remember that, like in real life, Big Papi won’t be able to cover bases fast or go for steals. Instead, his goal is simple: to push runners and always aim for the stands.

With the best Team Affinity cards taken care of, we highly recommend taking a look at All MLB The Show 26 Quirks, Explained. Make sure to also let us know which Team Affinity Captains you decided to invest in. After all, this is not an exact science.