MLB The Show 26 New Diamond Players Ranked

Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo all reached Diamond status in the latest Roster Update. Here is what each card brings to MLB The Show 26.

The September 11 Roster Update made a big impact on the Live Series market in MLB The Show 26. More than 700 player ratings were adjusted, and four players moved into Diamond territory.

The four new Diamonds are Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo. While their overall ratings are important, each card has a different role. Speed, defense, hitting attributes, handedness, and position all matter when deciding which player fits your roster.

Elly De La Cruz

Elly De La Cruz moved from 83 to 85 OVR and remains one of the most exciting Live Series position players.

His biggest improvement came against left-handed pitching. His Contact vs LHP increased to 96, while Power vs LHP reached 82. Combined with his speed, switch-hitting ability, and shortstop eligibility, this gives Elly plenty of value for players who like athletic position players.

He can contribute on the bases, cover an important defensive position, and provide more offensive flexibility than his overall rating might suggest.

Best for: Players who want speed, switch hitting, and a versatile everyday shortstop.

Michael Harris II

Michael Harris II moved up to 85 OVR and is an appealing option for players looking to strengthen center field.

His Contact vs RHP increased from 81 to 87, giving him a more reliable offensive profile against right-handed pitchers. His speed and defensive ability also remain important parts of the card.

Harris II may not have the same offensive upside as some of the other new Diamonds, but his combination of defense, contact, and athleticism makes him a dependable option.

Best for: Players who need a reliable center fielder and prefer balanced lineups.

Jackson Chourio

Jackson Chourio also reached 85 OVR after starting the update at 84.

His Contact vs RHP increased from 69 to 76, while his Clutch and Vision also received upgrades. Chourio's speed and ability to play multiple outfield positions give him additional flexibility when building a roster.

He is particularly useful for players who want an athletic outfielder who can move around the lineup rather than locking into a single role.

Best for: Outfield rotations, flexible rosters, and players who value speed.

Jesús Luzardo

Jesús Luzardo received the largest overall upgrade among the four new Diamonds, moving from 84 to 87 OVR.

His Pitching Clutch increased to 79, while his H/9 against right-handed hitters improved to 65. His K/9 against left-handed hitters also increased to 84, giving the left-handed starter a stronger overall pitching profile.

Luzardo is naturally more dependent on your rotation needs than the three position players. If you already have several strong starting pitchers, his value may be limited. However, players looking for another left-handed option should take a serious look at the upgraded card.

Best for: Players who need a left-handed starter or additional rotation depth.

New Diamond Player Comparison

Which Card Should You Use?

There is no single answer for every roster because these four Diamonds fill completely different roles.

Elly De La Cruz is a strong option if you want an athletic shortstop with switch-hitting ability. His improved numbers against left-handed pitchers also make him more attractive than his 85 OVR might suggest.

Michael Harris II is worth considering when center field defense is a priority. His improved contact against right-handed pitching gives him a useful offensive boost as well.

Jackson Chourio works well for players who want speed and outfield flexibility. He may not be the most dominant offensive option, but his overall skill set makes him easy to fit into different lineups.

Jesús Luzardo has the highest OVR of the four at 87. His value is more straightforward: if you need another quality left-handed starter, the September upgrade makes him an attractive Live Series option.

The September 11 Roster Update gives MLB The Show 26 players four new Diamond options across both hitting and pitching.

Elly De La Cruz brings speed and switch-hitting versatility. Michael Harris II provides dependable center-field defense and improved contact. Jackson Chourio offers athleticism and positional flexibility, while Jesús Luzardo adds a higher-rated left-handed starting pitcher to the Live Series pool.

When deciding where to spend your MLB The Show 26 Stubs, look at your existing roster first. A Diamond upgrade is most valuable when it fills a genuine weakness. If your infield is already stacked, Luzardo may provide more practical value. If your rotation is set, one of the three new position players could make a bigger difference.

The Live Series landscape can also continue to change with future Roster Updates, so keeping an eye on player performances and attribute changes is important throughout the season.

The U4GM Team