How to Get Mickey Mantle in MLB The Show 26

The Moonshot Collection is now available in MLB The Show 26 Diamond Dynasty, giving players a chance to add two 99 OVR rewards to their lineup. Collecting 23 Moonshot Series cards unlocks Craig Biggio, while collecting 36 cards rewards 99 OVR Mickey Mantle.

The collection includes 40 eligible Moonshot cards, so you do not need to collect every available card. With the right approach, you can earn several cards through gameplay first and then use MLB The Show 26 Stubs to fill the remaining gaps.

Moonshot Collection Requirements

There are currently 40 eligible Moonshot cards, meaning you have four cards of flexibility when completing the 36-card requirement.

This is important because some Moonshot cards can cost considerably more than others on the Community Marketplace. You can avoid some of the more expensive cards as long as you have enough other eligible cards to reach 36.

How to Get Moonshot Cards

There are several ways to build your Moonshot Collection.

Moonshot Program

The Moonshot Program should be your first stop.

Complete the available Moments, missions, PXP objectives, and other program tasks to earn Moonshot rewards through gameplay. These rewards can provide collection progress without requiring additional Stubs.

Before purchasing any cards, check the Moonshot Program and claim everything you can earn for free.

Moonshot Events

Moonshot Event content can also provide eligible cards.

Playing the Event and progressing through its reward path can give you additional Moonshot players. These cards can then be used toward the collection requirement.

If you already enjoy playing Events, this is a useful way to make collection progress while earning rewards at the same time.

Moonshot Packs

Moonshot Packs are another source of Moonshot players.

Different versions of Moonshot Packs can provide different numbers of player items, but the results are not guaranteed to be the exact cards you need.

For that reason, packs are better considered an additional way to obtain Moonshot cards rather than a guaranteed method for completing the collection at the lowest possible cost.

Community Marketplace

The Community Marketplace is the most direct way to obtain specific Moonshot cards.

After completing the free content, check which cards you are missing and compare their current prices. Since only 36 of the 40 eligible cards are required, you can choose cheaper cards when the market gives you that option.

Best Way to Complete the Moonshot Collection

If Mickey Mantle is your main target, the most practical approach is to complete the collection in stages.

Step 1: Finish the Free Content

Start with the Moonshot Program and complete its available Moments and missions.

Claim every Moonshot player reward before spending your Stubs.

This immediately reduces the number of cards you need to purchase.

Step 2: Play Moonshot Events

Next, check the current Moonshot Event rewards.

Earn any eligible Moonshot players that are available through the Event instead of purchasing those same cards from the Marketplace.

This is especially useful if you can progress through the Event efficiently.

Step 3: Check Your Binder

Before buying anything, check your Diamond Dynasty collection.

You may already own Moonshot cards from packs, rewards, or previous content. Every eligible card you already own reduces the number of cards you need to purchase.

Step 4: Compare Card Prices

Once you know exactly which cards you still need, check the Community Marketplace.

Do not automatically buy the most expensive missing card. Remember that you only need 36 out of the 40 eligible Moonshot cards.

If four cards are significantly more expensive than the alternatives, you may be able to leave them out and complete the collection with cheaper options.

Step 5: Buy Only What You Need

After using all available free rewards, purchase the remaining cards required to reach 36.

Buying cards one at a time also lets you monitor the market instead of spending a large number of Stubs at once.

If a card is currently expensive, you can check the prices of the other eligible cards before deciding whether it is necessary for your collection.

Step 6: Complete the Collection

Once you reach 23 cards, you will receive 99 OVR Craig Biggio.

Continue collecting until you reach 36 eligible Moonshot cards.

At 36 cards, you unlock 99 OVR Mickey Mantle.

How to Save Stubs

The biggest mistake when completing a collection is buying cards before checking the free rewards.

Use this order:

Free Program rewards → Event rewards → Existing cards → Marketplace

This prevents you from spending Stubs on cards that you could have earned through gameplay.

You should also keep an eye on Marketplace prices. Moonshot cards can have large price differences, and the four-card cushion gives you some flexibility.

For example, if you need 10 more cards but there are 14 eligible cards available to choose from, you can compare their prices and purchase the more affordable options.

Should You Buy Moonshot Packs?

Moonshot Packs can help you obtain collection cards, but they are not a guaranteed way to get the specific player you need.

If you only need one inexpensive card, buying that card directly from the Marketplace is more predictable.

Packs become more appealing when you need several Moonshot players and are comfortable with the random results.

Before spending Stubs on packs, compare the pack price with the combined cost of the cards you still need.

Moonshot Mickey Mantle Overview

The 99 OVR Moonshot Mickey Mantle offers plenty of lineup flexibility.

Mantle is a switch hitter and can play:

Center Field
First Base
Second Base
Third Base
Shortstop
Left Field
Right Field

His combination of hitting, speed, and defensive versatility makes him a flexible option for Diamond Dynasty lineups.

For players who need a switch-hitting bat that can cover multiple positions, the collection reward provides more than just another high-overall player.

Moonshot Collection FAQ

Do I need all 40 Moonshot cards?

No. You only need 36 eligible Moonshot cards to unlock Mickey Mantle.

The extra four cards give you flexibility when choosing which players to collect.

What happens at 23 cards?

Collecting 23 Moonshot Series cards rewards 99 OVR Craig Biggio.

How do I get Mickey Mantle?

Collect 36 eligible Moonshot Series cards and complete the Moonshot Collection requirement.

Should I buy every Moonshot card?

No. Since only 36 of the 40 eligible cards are required, compare prices and use cheaper eligible cards whenever possible.

What should I do before buying cards?

Finish the available Moonshot Program content, play the relevant Event, and check your Binder first. Then purchase only the cards you still need.

Final Checklist

To complete the Moonshot Collection efficiently:

Complete the Moonshot Program.
Claim all Moonshot player rewards.
Play the Moonshot Event and earn eligible cards.
Check your Binder for existing Moonshot cards.
Identify the cards you still need.
Compare Community Marketplace prices.
Use cheaper eligible cards whenever possible.
Reach 23 cards to unlock Craig Biggio.
Reach 36 cards to unlock 99 OVR Mickey Mantle.

The key to the Moonshot Collection is simple: earn the free cards first, use the four-card flexibility, and spend Stubs only on the cards you actually need. With that approach, you can work toward Mickey Mantle without wasting Stubs on unnecessary Moonshot cards.

The U4GM Team