A Tier – Excellent Options Just Below Elite
These pitchers may not be universal must-starts, but they can absolutely carry games.
Johan Santana
Santana stands out as one of MLB 26 Stubs the best pitchers outside S Tier. Many players feel he belongs in his own mini-tier between A and S. Great movement, left-handed angle, and excellent pitch variety make him dangerous.
Emerson Hancock
Hancock thrives because of a funky release. Against opponents unfamiliar with him, he can dominate. He's especially effective on All-Star where timing matters most.
Jacob deGrom
Still dangerous, but lacking Outlier right now hurts him. Once stronger versions arrive later in the cycle, expect him to jump tiers.
Satchel Paige
A fun and effective option depending on difficulty. On higher levels, his unpredictability can shine.
Corbin Burnes
Burnes is elite on Hall of Fame and Legend due to movement and precision. On All-Star, however, he can become batting practice if your opponent reads sinkers well.
Corey Kluber
Kluber remains a classic meta pitcher. Good release, great sinker/cutter combo, and years of success in The Show make him dependable.
Free A-Tier Cards Worth Grinding
Some of the best no-money-spent options include:
Ryan Schimpf
Liam Doyle
Corbin Burnes
Corey Kluber
Santana
These cards are obtainable through programs or Team Affinity and can anchor rotations without spending MLB 26 stubs.
B Tier – Solid Starters With Noticeable Flaws
These pitchers are usable and can win games, but something holds them back.
Shohei Ohtani
A controversial ranking. Many players love Shohei, but his new release angle is easier to read this year, and he lacks overwhelming velocity. His pitch mix is fine, but not terrifying.
Paul Skenes
Great arm talent, but current version lacks enough speed differential and no Outlier yet. Once upgraded cards arrive, he'll rise significantly.
Roger Clemens
Can throw heat, especially when Parallel upgraded, but control issues become dangerous at MLB The Show Stubs for sale higher difficulties. He lacks the devastating pitch gap that elite cards possess.
Michael Lorenzen & Ranger Suárez
These are dependable "fine" options. Not stars, but perfectly serviceable if you need innings.
Christopher Sánchez / Nolan McLean
Good pitch mixes, but many players report they get shelled too often. Day-one familiarity hurts them because everyone has seen them already.
These pitchers may not be universal must-starts, but they can absolutely carry games.
Johan Santana
Santana stands out as one of MLB 26 Stubs the best pitchers outside S Tier. Many players feel he belongs in his own mini-tier between A and S. Great movement, left-handed angle, and excellent pitch variety make him dangerous.
Emerson Hancock
Hancock thrives because of a funky release. Against opponents unfamiliar with him, he can dominate. He's especially effective on All-Star where timing matters most.
Jacob deGrom
Still dangerous, but lacking Outlier right now hurts him. Once stronger versions arrive later in the cycle, expect him to jump tiers.
Satchel Paige
A fun and effective option depending on difficulty. On higher levels, his unpredictability can shine.
Corbin Burnes
Burnes is elite on Hall of Fame and Legend due to movement and precision. On All-Star, however, he can become batting practice if your opponent reads sinkers well.
Corey Kluber
Kluber remains a classic meta pitcher. Good release, great sinker/cutter combo, and years of success in The Show make him dependable.
Free A-Tier Cards Worth Grinding
Some of the best no-money-spent options include:
Ryan Schimpf
Liam Doyle
Corbin Burnes
Corey Kluber
Santana
These cards are obtainable through programs or Team Affinity and can anchor rotations without spending MLB 26 stubs.
B Tier – Solid Starters With Noticeable Flaws
These pitchers are usable and can win games, but something holds them back.
Shohei Ohtani
A controversial ranking. Many players love Shohei, but his new release angle is easier to read this year, and he lacks overwhelming velocity. His pitch mix is fine, but not terrifying.
Paul Skenes
Great arm talent, but current version lacks enough speed differential and no Outlier yet. Once upgraded cards arrive, he'll rise significantly.
Roger Clemens
Can throw heat, especially when Parallel upgraded, but control issues become dangerous at MLB The Show Stubs for sale higher difficulties. He lacks the devastating pitch gap that elite cards possess.
Michael Lorenzen & Ranger Suárez
These are dependable "fine" options. Not stars, but perfectly serviceable if you need innings.
Christopher Sánchez / Nolan McLean
Good pitch mixes, but many players report they get shelled too often. Day-one familiarity hurts them because everyone has seen them already.