The Fastest Way to Complete the May Lightning Collections in MLB 26
The May Lightning Program in MLB The Show 26 has arrived, bringing a fresh set of rewards that many Diamond Dynasty players are eager to unlock. Headlining the content are powerful cards such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jacob Misiorowski, along with several other valuable players that can strengthen any lineup. However, completing the collections efficiently requires a smart approach. If you want to maximize your rewards while minimizing your spending, this guide will walk you through the fastest and most cost-effective path.
Prioritize the Free Rewards First
Before spending any MLB 26 Stubs, focus on everything available through the May Spotlight Programs. These programs offer several free packs, player cards, and progression rewards that contribute directly to the May Lightning Collections.
The Spotlight Programs are relatively straightforward. Players can earn stars by completing moments and missions, both of which can be finished quickly through normal gameplay. Most of the featured programs require only around 50 stars, making them among the easiest monthly content pieces to complete.
As you progress through the programs, you’ll earn multiple May Spotlight Packs. These packs provide free collection cards and dramatically reduce the number of players you need to purchase from the marketplace later. By completing all available Spotlight content, you can secure up to seven free cards, giving you a major head start toward the collection goals.
Jacob Misiorowski Is the Best Value Reward
While Fernando Tatis Jr. is the marquee collection reward, Jacob Misiorowski may actually be the most valuable card for many players.
His attributes make him an elite pitching option, particularly against lineups filled with switch hitters. Strong H/9 ratings against left-handed hitters combined with an explosive pitch mix featuring outlier velocity make him a difficult pitcher to face. His fastball-slider combination should feel familiar to players who have enjoyed other power pitchers throughout the year.
The best part is that Misiorowski can be earned completely free simply by completing the Spotlight Programs and associated missions. For players looking to strengthen their rotation without spending additional MLB 26 Stubs, he represents one of the best rewards currently available.
Is Fernando Tatis Jr. Worth the Cost?
Fernando Tatis Jr. is undoubtedly a fun card to use. He offers a great swing, solid power, excellent speed, and strong arm strength. However, obtaining him comes at a significant cost.
Depending on marketplace fluctuations, completing the collection may require anywhere from 175,000 to 250,000 stubs. That is a substantial investment, especially when several excellent shortstops are already available in Diamond Dynasty.
The shortstop position is currently one of the deepest positions in the game. Many players already have access to alternatives that perform at a similar level without requiring such a large investment. Because of this, Tatis is more of a luxury acquisition than a must-have upgrade.
If you’re a fan of the player or simply enjoy using his swing, the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, your resources might be better spent elsewhere.
Sell Expensive Pulls and Buy Cheaper Cards
One of the smartest strategies for completing the collection is understanding which cards to keep and which cards to sell.
If you happen to pull premium cards such as Byron Buxton or Pete Alonso from your free packs, consider selling them immediately. These cards often command significantly higher prices than many of the lower-tier collection pieces.
For example, instead of locking in a card worth over 100,000 stubs, you can sell it and purchase several cheaper collection cards that cost only 15,000 to 20,000 stubs each. This approach allows you to complete the collection while maintaining a healthy stub balance.
Many successful players use this method to stretch their resources further and avoid overspending.
Fastest Way to Earn Program Stars
The quickest route to completing the May programs is focusing on moments first and missions second.
Moments provide an immediate source of stars and can often be completed in a short period of time. After finishing the moments, move on to the missions using the featured players from each program.
Weekend Classic games naturally help complete many of these objectives, but players looking for maximum efficiency should consider Play vs CPU or Mini Seasons.
Play vs CPU offers one of the fastest methods for accumulating progress. By placing the required player near the top of your lineup, you can repeatedly earn player XP and mission progress without facing the challenges of online competition.
Mini Seasons is another excellent option because it allows players to earn packs and additional rewards while completing missions simultaneously.
Unlocking Cody Bellinger Quickly
Cody Bellinger serves as an important milestone in the progression path.
After reaching his reward tier, players simply need to earn player XP with Bellinger to unlock additional rewards, including another valuable Spotlight Pack. This pack contributes directly toward the seven free collection cards available through the program.
Because of how easy it is to accumulate XP in offline modes, unlocking this extra pack can be accomplished very quickly. Many players overlook this step, but it significantly reduces the overall collection cost.
Managing Your Stub Budget
If your goal is to finish the May Lightning Collection efficiently, resource management is critical.
Rather than rushing to buy every required card on day one, use the free packs first and evaluate your collection afterward. You may discover that several expensive purchases are no longer necessary.
For players who are short on currency, earning additional MLB 26 Stubs through gameplay remains the safest approach. However, some competitive players who want immediate access to collection rewards choose to buy MLB 26 Stubs in order to complete collections faster and secure newly released players before prices rise.
Regardless of your approach, patience and planning can save a substantial amount of stubs over the course of the program.
Final Thoughts
The May Lightning Collections offer several strong rewards, but not every card provides equal value. Jacob Misiorowski stands out as a fantastic free reward that every player should target, while Fernando Tatis Jr. represents a more expensive optional upgrade.
By completing all Spotlight Programs, earning the available free packs, selling high-value pulls, and focusing on efficient mission grinding, you can complete the collection significantly faster while preserving your MLB 26 Stubs. Whether you’re chasing elite rewards or simply building the best possible Diamond Dynasty roster, following these strategies will help you finish the May Lightning Program with minimal wasted resources.