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What’s New in MLB The Show 26: Gameplay Updates

February 5th, 2026

MLB The Show 26 Gameplay Updates: What’s New and Notable 

Get ready, it’s time to reveal the gameplay updates in MLB The Show 26. With a new ABS system, revamped pitching and hitting, plus hundreds of new fielding animations, this is the most immersive The Show yet.   

New in MLB The Show 26: 

  • All New ABS System 
  • New rule allowing the catcher, batter, or pitcher to challenge the home plate umpire’s ball and strike calls 
  • Real MLB Pitch Usage Rates 
    • Pitches will now be ranked in the repertoire from highest to lowest, based on real MLB usage rates 
    • Pitches ranked higher in a player’s repertoire will have a smaller PAR (Perfect Accuracy Region), resulting in better control 
      • A Pitcher’s Control (CTRL) Rating will also influence the PAR size and pitch type 
  • New Bear Down Pitching 
  • New Big Zone Hitting 
  • New Defensive Attributes  
  • Hundreds of New Fielding Animations, especially for the catcher position 

Pre-Order MLB The Show 26 Now! 

MLB The Show 26 is available to pre-order now in the Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition. Want Early Access? Choose the Digital Deluxe Edition and start playing on March 13th, 2026 – four full days before the official release on March 17th.  

Pre-order Loyalty Discount For Previous MLB The Show Owners! 

You will receive 10% off your Digital Deluxe Edition pre-order1 if you have purchased any digital version of MLB® The Show™ that’s been released since MLB® The Show™ 21².  

UP NEXT: Gameplay Feature Premiere  

Get the scoop directly from SDS developers with a full breakdown of the new features in MLB The Show 26. Join us later today at 2 PM PT as the team takes you even deeper into all the gameplay glory on the way. Don’t miss a moment. Catch all the action on our Twitch and YouTube channels. 

Stay Tuned for Regular Reveals 

If you’re as excited about the updates as we are, there’s more where that came from. We’ll have regular reveals of new features, modes and a few special surprises ahead of launch.  

Stay Locked In 

To be the first to know when reveals, feature breakdowns and updates drop, follow @MLBTheShow on social and sign up for the Scouting Report. Ready for MLB The Show 26? Good. You’re up.  

1Discount reflected in cart. Must be signed into your account. Only applies to same platform purchases.  

2For Nintendo Switch, since MLB® The Show™ 22