MLB The Show 26: Get 99 OVR Chipper Jones and Ted Williams

MLB The Show 26 Diamond Dynasty has a new set of rewards to chase with the launch of the 9th Inning XP Path on October 23. This inning puts two legendary hitters in the spotlight: 99 OVR Signature Series Chipper Jones and 99 OVR Milestone Ted Williams. Both cards are available through the final Boss Choice Pack, but players can select only one.

The program also features 99 OVR Smokey Joe Williams and Willie Wells as earlier rewards, along with packs and MLB The Show 26 Stubs throughout the progression path. For players looking to improve their lineups, the new inning offers several worthwhile milestones before the final boss reward.

Chipper Jones and Ted Williams Are the New 99 OVR Bosses

The main reward arrives at 275,000 XP. Reaching this milestone unlocks the 9th Inning Boss Choice Pack, which lets you choose either Chipper Jones or Ted Williams.

99 OVR Signature Series Chipper Jones

Chipper Jones represents the Atlanta Braves as a 99 OVR Signature Series third baseman. His biggest advantage is his ability to switch-hit, giving players a reliable option against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.

Jones has 125 Contact against both sides, along with 116 Power against right-handed pitching and 105 Power against left-handed pitching. His 125 Discipline and 125 Clutch ratings add to his appeal as a middle-of-the-order hitter.

For players who want a strong bat at third base without giving up the flexibility of a switch-hitter, Jones is a compelling option. His handedness can also help balance a lineup that already relies heavily on left-handed or right-handed hitters.

99 OVR Milestone Ted Williams

Ted Williams joins the Boss Pack as a 99 OVR Milestone left fielder for the Boston Red Sox. His card is built around elite hitting attributes, particularly against right-handed pitching.

Williams has 125 Contact against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers. His Power ratings are 125 against righties and 103 against lefties, while his Vision and Clutch both sit at 125.

His offensive numbers make him an attractive choice for players who need another dependable run producer. However, his 82 Fielding and 67 Speed are worth considering when building a roster. If defense and speed are priorities in the outfield, compare Williams with the players you already use before making your selection.

How to Unlock the 9th Inning Boss Choice Pack

Players need to reach 275,000 XP to unlock the final Boss Choice Pack. The reward path contains 35 steps, with player cards, packs, and Stubs available along the way.

Here are the major player milestones:

Smokey Joe Williams and Willie Wells are separate rewards, so earning them does not affect your final choice between the two bosses.

The path also includes The Show Packs, Ballin' is a Habit Packs, Headliners Packs, a Deluxe Moonshot Pack, and a Live Series 88+ Pack. These rewards give players additional reasons to keep earning XP even before they reach the final milestone.

How to Earn XP More Efficiently

The easiest way to make steady progress is to complete available missions while playing your preferred Diamond Dynasty modes. The first drop includes four missions that can be completed in offline modes such as Play vs CPU, Mini Seasons, Conquest, and Diamond Quest.

To complete these objectives efficiently, check your lineup before starting a game. Use eligible Cornerstone players for Parallel XP, Postseason Series hitters for extra-base hits, and The Show Classics pitchers for strikeouts. This lets you work toward several goals while earning regular gameplay XP.

Players who collected both Ken Griffey Jr. and Roy Campanella from the 8th Inning can also claim a voucher worth 30,000 XP in the new path. However, this bonus is optional. You can still progress toward the 9th Inning bosses without completing the previous inning's boss collection.

More missions are scheduled to arrive on October 30, giving players additional objectives to pursue as the program continues.

Chipper Jones vs. Ted Williams: Which Boss Should You Pick?

The choice comes down to your roster and how you prefer to build your offense.

Chipper Jones is a natural fit for players who need a third baseman and value switch-hitting. His balanced contact ratings and ability to hit from both sides of the plate make him a flexible option against different pitching matchups.

Ted Williams is worth considering if your lineup needs a left fielder with elite contact and power against right-handed pitching. His offensive attributes are excellent, although his speed and fielding ratings may be less appealing to players who prioritize outfield defense.

Before selecting either card, check your current lineup, bench options, and available positions. There is no need to choose a player simply because of his overall rating if another position is a more urgent upgrade.

When Does the 9th Inning XP Path End?

The MLB The Show 26 9th Inning XP Path is scheduled to expire on November 20, 2026. New missions are expected during the program, so players should check the available objectives as additional content arrives.

With 275,000 XP required for the final Boss Choice Pack, consistent progress is more useful than leaving every mission until the end. Complete objectives that fit your usual playstyle, collect the intermediate rewards, and decide which boss best suits your roster before claiming the final pack.

Chipper Jones and Ted Williams headline this inning, but the additional player rewards and packs make the entire path worth following. Whether you need a switch-hitting third baseman or a powerful left fielder, the 9th Inning gives Diamond Dynasty players another opportunity to strengthen their teams.

The U4GM Team