Is Elly De La Cruz Finest Worth 32 Vouchers in MLB The Show 26

The 2026 Finest Elly De La Cruz card is one of the biggest rewards in MLB The Show 26 Diamond Dynasty. With 99 Overall, elite hitting attributes, excellent speed, and strong defensive ratings, he has the potential to become a top shortstop for competitive lineups.

However, getting this card is not as simple as completing a Finest Program. Elly is locked behind the Legends & Flashbacks Collection, which requires players to collect and lock in 32 of the 35 available vouchers.

That is a substantial commitment, especially for players who have not completed many collections throughout the year. So, is Elly De La Cruz worth the investment, and should players prioritize this collection over other Diamond Dynasty content?

What Makes the 99 OVR Finest Elly De La Cruz So Good?

Elly's biggest advantage is his combination of hitting, defense, and speed. As a switch-hitting shortstop, he can handle different pitching matchups while providing power and baserunning value.

Here are his key attributes in MLB The Show 26:

His hitting attributes are particularly impressive. With 111 Contact against right-handed pitchers and 125 against left-handed pitchers, Elly is dangerous against both types of opponents. His 113 and 122 Power ratings also give him legitimate home run potential.

Being a switch hitter makes him even more useful. Players can avoid unfavorable same-handed matchups and keep him in the lineup regardless of the opposing starting pitcher.

His defensive profile is another major selling point. A 99 Fielding rating and 99 Arm Strength make him a strong shortstop option. However, his 74 Arm Accuracy is a noticeable weakness and can occasionally lead to inaccurate throws.

On the bases, 95 Speed, 99 Stealing, and 99 Baserunning make him an excellent threat after reaching base. He can create scoring opportunities through stolen bases and aggressive baserunning rather than relying entirely on home runs.

Overall, this is a well-rounded endgame card with very few major weaknesses.

How Do You Unlock Finest Elly De La Cruz?

The biggest challenge is the Legends & Flashbacks: De La Cruz Collection.

Players must obtain and lock in 32 of the 35 available vouchers to unlock the Finest Elly De La Cruz reward. These vouchers come from different Diamond Dynasty collections covering content released throughout MLB The Show 26.

Some of the eligible collection categories include:

• Spotlight
• World Baseball Classic
• Topps Now
• Awards
• Jolt
• 2026 All-Star
• 2026 Finest
• Milestone
• The Negro Leagues
• Pipeline
• Moonshot
• 2026 Draft
• Postseason
• Breakout
• Signature

Each collection has its own requirements. Some require collecting a certain number of cards from a particular series, while others involve completing collections that reward vouchers directly.

Importantly, players do not need to complete all 35 available voucher collections. They only need 32, which provides some flexibility when choosing the most affordable options.

The 2026 Finest Collection is one possible route, requiring 55 Finest cards to earn its voucher. However, completing it is not mandatory if you can reach 32 vouchers through other collections.

How Much Does the 32-Voucher Collection Cost?

For most players, the real difficulty is the number of Stubs required to complete the collection.

According to ShowZone's November 6, 2026 collection estimates, reaching the 32-voucher milestone costs approximately:

These figures are market-based estimates rather than fixed prices. The actual cost depends on card availability, current Community Market prices, and how many eligible cards you already own.

The difference between the two estimates is significant. The lower-cost route assumes players use as many non-market cards as possible, while the higher-cost route involves purchasing more cards from the market.

This means your existing collection progress can make a huge difference.

Before spending MLB The Show 26 Stubs, consider these strategies:

Check your existing collection first.

Many players already own cards from Programs, Events, and previous rewards. Check your inventory before purchasing anything from the Community Market.

Prioritize collections with more non-market cards.

Some voucher collections can be completed largely through cards earned in Diamond Dynasty content. These are generally better starting points for players trying to save Stubs.

Compare the cost of individual vouchers.

Do not assume that every collection offers the same value. Check the number of cards required and the remaining market cost before committing to a particular voucher.

Avoid unnecessary purchases.

You only need 32 vouchers, not all 35. Focus on the most affordable combination instead of completing every available collection.

A little planning can prevent millions of Stubs from being spent unnecessarily.

Is Elly Better Than Other Shortstop Options?

Elly's greatest advantage is his combination of attributes rather than one individual rating.

Many shortstops can provide excellent defense, while others specialize in power or contact. Elly offers a strong balance of all three, along with elite baserunning.

His switch-hitting ability is particularly valuable in competitive Diamond Dynasty games. Players do not need to adjust their lineup every time they face a different starting pitcher.

His 95 Speed and 99 Stealing also create additional offensive opportunities. Even when he does not hit a home run, he can influence the game through his ability to take extra bases.

There are still reasons to consider other players. If your current shortstop already provides reliable hitting and defense, the difference might not justify spending millions of Stubs on another card.

The 74 Arm Accuracy is also worth considering for players who prioritize defensive consistency.

Ultimately, Elly is an excellent upgrade, but his value depends on how much he improves your existing lineup.

Should You Complete the Collection or Save Your Stubs?

The answer depends on your collection progress and how seriously you play Diamond Dynasty.

Players who are close to the 32-voucher requirement have the strongest reason to pursue Elly. They can potentially unlock one of the best shortstop options in the game without rebuilding their entire collection.

Players starting from scratch should be more careful. Spending millions of Stubs on one position may prevent them from improving several other areas of their lineup.

Is 32 Vouchers Worth It?

Yes, Finest Elly De La Cruz is worth pursuing, especially for players who have already made significant progress in Diamond Dynasty collections.

His 99 Overall rating is supported by outstanding hitting attributes, switch-hitting flexibility, 95 Speed, 99 Stealing, and excellent defensive ratings. He is not simply another high-rated player; he offers the versatility that makes a difference in competitive games.

However, the 32-voucher requirement is a major investment. Players should not rush to buy every missing card just to unlock him immediately.

The smartest approach is to review your existing inventory, complete the most affordable voucher collections, and work toward the 32-voucher milestone without overspending.

If you are already close, Elly is an excellent endgame reward. If you are starting from scratch, take your time and make sure the collection cost is worth the improvement to your lineup.

The U4GM Team