All-Star Weekend is a useful checkpoint for anyone building a competitive roster, because ratings often reveal more than a player's name alone. A strong card needs to fit the way you play. Some users want quick contact hitters, while others would rather wait on one mistake and turn it into a long ball. That is where MLB 26 stubs can help players shape a lineup around specific strengths instead of chasing ratings without a plan. The current group of standout cards offers plenty of options, but the differences between them matter once the game gets tight.
Speed Changes the Feel of the Outfield
Cole Carrigg and Pete Crow-Armstrong bring the kind of athleticism that you notice almost immediately. Carrigg has a 97 overall rating, but his 99 contact and 95 speed are the numbers that really drive his value. He can put pressure on a defence, stretch singles into doubles and cover plenty of ground in centre. His 97 arm strength adds another layer, especially when runners test him. Crow-Armstrong carries a 99 overall rating and leans even harder into movement. His 97 speed and 91 fielding make him a dependable option for players who care about range and quick reactions. You will feel that difference on balls hit into the gaps.
Power Comes With Different Trade-Offs
The corner outfielders are not interchangeable, and that is part of the fun. Roman Anthony offers a steadier mix, with 95 contact and 85 power on a 96-rated card. Juan Soto is built for a different job. His 103 contact and 98 power can change an at-bat in one swing, but his 37 speed means you should not expect much on the bases. Braden Montgomery gives right field a serious offensive push, pairing 101 power with 96 contact and a 99 overall rating. When comparing these cards, keep an eye on the following points.
- Use Carrigg or Crow-Armstrong when range and speed are your first concerns.
- Choose Soto or Montgomery when middle-of-the-order damage matters most.
- Look at contact ratings before relying on raw power alone.
Middle Infielders Reward Active Players
Shortstop has plenty of variety. Trevor Story brings 94 contact, 93 power and 90 speed on a 97-rated card, so he does not force you into one style of offence. Bobby Witt Jr. is rated 98 and offers 92 contact with 80 power. That profile may look less imposing on paper, yet his speed can create runs that another hitter simply cannot. At third base, Zack Gelof combines a 98 overall rating with 99 contact and 90 power. He is the sort of player who can keep an inning moving without needing perfect timing every time.
Why Nick Kurtz Still Matters
First base remains a natural home for a big bat, and Nick Kurtz fits that role with a 98 overall rating and strong offensive tools. He gives a lineup a reliable run-producing presence, especially when the top half has already put runners on. The best All-Star roster is not just a collection of the highest numbers. It should have speed at the top, dependable contact in the middle and enough power to punish mistakes. Players who balance those jobs will get more from their cards, and using MLB stubs wisely can make that roster-building process much easier.
