Top Affordable Players You Can Use in MLB 26
Posted: Sat May 23, 2026 6:00 am
Elite Budget HittersVictor Martinez (Postseason, C)
Dropping into the 10,000–15,000 stub range, Victor Martinez is one of the best value catchers in MLB 26. His switch-hitting swing is exceptional, giving you consistent offensive output, even if his defense is just average. If you need a reliable bat behind the plate without spending big, Martinez is a top pick.
Ian Happ (Cityscapes, OF/INF)
Completely free through the Cityscapes Program, Ian Happ is versatile and deadly at the plate. A switch-hitter with high contact ratings, he also comes with the Dead Red and Breaking Ball Hitter quirks, making him a serious threat in multiple positions.
Bryce Harper (WBC, 1B)
A powerhouse for any budget squad, Harper can be acquired cheaply or earned through the World Baseball Classic Program. His sweet left-handed swing consistently delivers home runs, and his “glitchy” animations make him a nightmare for pitchers.
Travis Bazzana (WBC, 2B)
Another free WBC reward, Bazzana is an extra-base-hit machine. With blazing speed and gap-to-gap power, he’s perfect for teams looking to generate runs quickly without spending stubs.
JesĂşs Made & Max Clark (Spring Breakout, SS/RF)
Both completely free through the Spring Breakout Program, these two are hidden gems. Made packs a strong bat at shortstop, while Clark pairs elite defense with 90+ speed and the Dead Red quirk—ideal for both offense and defense.
Elly De La Cruz (Live Series / Budget Variant, SS)
De La Cruz is a slightly unconventional pick for budget teams. His base fielding stats aren’t the best, but his massive frame, switch-hitting skill, and glitchy animations make him a must-have at shortstop once you unlock his parallel tiers.
Best Value PitchersAl Leiter & Roger Clemens (Team Affinity, SP)
Grind these starters for free via Team Affinity in less than an hour. Leiter dominates with elite pitch differential from the left side, while Clemens offers high velocity and excellent control. Both are solid budget starters for Ranked or casual play.
Hunter Brown (Cityscapes, SP)
Affordable and effective, Brown is a right-handed starter available for 7,000–8,000 stubs. His straightforward pitch mix holds up well online, making him an easy pick for budget squads.
Duque Hebbert (RP/CP, 80 OVR)
This silver/gold-tier reliever plays well above his rating. Hebbert’s slider and circle changeup combo is devastating, and his control is near flawless—all for less than 2,000 stubs.
Quick Budget Squad OverviewPosition Player Card Cost / Source Key Strength
C Victor Martinez (92 OVR) ~12,000 Stubs Switch-Hitter, Elite Swing
1B Bryce Harper (WBC) Free / Low Stubs Excellent Contact & Power
2B Travis Bazzana (WBC) Free Program High Speed, Double Machine
SS JesĂşs Made (Spring Breakout) Free Program High-Impact Bat
OF Ian Happ (Cityscapes) Free Program Dead Red Quirk, Switch Hitter
SP Al Leiter (Team Affinity) Free Grind Dominant Left-Handed Meta
RP Duque Hebbert (<80 OVR) <2,000 Stubs Devastating Slider, Perfect Control
These budget options prove you don’t need to spend thousands of stubs to field a competitive squad in MLB 26. By strategically combining free program rewards and low-cost marketplace picks, you can assemble a team that competes with the best without draining your resources.