In MLB The Show 26, the Road to the Show (RTTS) experience has taken a step away from the more traditional, linear progression system we’ve seen in past games. The progression model in RTTS this year feels a lot more flexible and diverse, which can be both a blessing and a challenge for players who are used to a straightforward path to stardom.

Here’s what I’ve observed from my time with the game and how things play out in practice. If you're struggling to figure out the best way to progress your player or wondering why things feel less predictable, this article will explain it.

1. What Changed in RTTS Progression?

In previous versions of MLB The Show, your progression felt pretty straightforward. You’d play through games, complete missions, and your player would level up, usually in a predictable order. But this year, the progression feels less like a straight line.

Rather than unlocking upgrades based purely on game performance or completing set challenges in a certain order, RTTS 26 seems to embrace a more dynamic, player-driven experience. In essence, it’s now about how you choose to develop your player, not just the goals the game sets for you.

Instead of only focusing on stats from your games (batting, pitching, etc.), the game now has a deeper interaction with things like team goals, your position within the club, and your agent's missions. These all impact how you progress, and things aren’t as linear anymore. You can make choices based on your playing style, team needs, and even the way you want your player’s personality to evolve.

2. Does This Mean I’ll Get Stuck in Progression?

It can happen. The way the progression works now means that if you’re not paying attention to everything—like completing specific player or team objectives, or focusing on certain skill attributes—your player might hit a roadblock. It's easy to think that just playing more games will make you improve, but the reality is that you’ll need to be strategic.

Take pitching as an example. In previous games, your pitcher's velocity or control might level up naturally over time. In MLB The Show 26, those stats are still crucial, but the upgrades might not always come just from pitching well in games. Instead, you could need to meet certain training goals, like completing a series of drills or achieving specific in-game objectives tied to your team’s needs.

If you’re stuck, it often means you need to reevaluate your approach. Sometimes that means focusing on specific attributes or doing side activities outside of just games—such as team training sessions or focusing on certain aspects of your player’s story arc.

3. How Do I Progress My Player More Effectively?

The best way to progress in RTTS is to stay on top of your player’s development needs, and in MLB The Show 26, this means checking in with multiple aspects of the game. First, focus on your player’s core stats, but don’t forget the new layers of progression.

Here’s what I do to stay on track:





Balance Game Performance and Team Goals: Don’t just focus on hitting home runs or racking up strikeouts. Look at your team's objectives and personal missions. Achieving certain goals (like making plays in the field or getting on base in clutch situations) can unlock quicker progress than simply playing without any strategy.





Focus on Player Archetype: The game now allows you to decide which archetype you want your player to follow (power hitter, contact hitter, speedster, etc.). This will shape your growth, so make sure you’re selecting the archetype that fits your play style and long-term goals.





Take Advantage of Training Opportunities: The training missions are there for a reason. While they may feel like a grind at first, they unlock key boosts that make a big difference. You can progress your player faster by taking time to complete these optional training events, especially since some stats are harder to boost through regular game play alone.





Pay Attention to Your Agent: Your agent plays a more significant role this year, offering you advice and objectives to complete. Completing agent tasks unlocks better contract offers, but more importantly, they can help guide your progression by directing your focus on specific areas.





4. Does Player Performance Still Matter?

Absolutely. No matter how you approach the game, you’re still going to need to perform well in the games themselves. However, the game now provides more ways for your player to grow even if they aren’t dominating in every game.

The key difference is that player performance now feels more integrated with the larger picture. For example, if you’re a batter, your batting stats matter, but so do things like hitting for situational power, making sacrifices, and working with your teammates to get the best out of the lineup. It’s less about hitting a certain target and more about fitting into the team’s needs.

Performance impacts your stats, but it also contributes to the larger narrative arc of your player’s career. That means hitting well in clutch moments or providing leadership in the locker room can unlock progression opportunities, even if your stats aren’t always perfect.

5. Is There a Way to Speed Up Progression?

Yes, there are a couple of ways you can speed up the progression if you're looking for a faster route. One of the more reliable methods is by investing in your player’s development through the game’s virtual currency, stubs. For those unfamiliar, MLB The Show 26 uses stubs to purchase in-game items, including special boosts for your player’s progression.

If you’re serious about speeding things up, knowing how to buy MLB 26 stubs is crucial. With stubs, you can buy equipment, perks, and training items that speed up your player's development. You can purchase stubs directly from the in-game store or buy them through other online means, depending on what’s available in your region.

While this method isn’t essential, it’s one of the most effective ways to enhance your RTTS experience if you want to get ahead without grinding for every little boost. But even with stubs, you’ll still need to focus on making the right decisions to unlock the best growth for your player.

6. How Do I Handle Position Changes and New Roles?

One of the most interesting additions to MLB The Show 26 is the flexibility to change positions and experiment with different roles on the team. For example, if you start as an outfielder and later decide you want to switch to a pitcher (or even try playing infield), the game allows for that.

However, position changes don’t just affect your progression; they come with challenges. Changing roles means you may need to focus on completely different skill sets. Your fielding, batting, or pitching stats will be affected, and you’ll need to re-learn new aspects of the game.

In practice, this could mean spending extra time in training or altering your strategy during games. The benefit is that you have more control over your career path and can choose the path that suits your interests or gameplay style.

Is the Less-Linear Progression a Good Thing?

The less-linear progression system in RTTS this year is definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, it adds depth, offering more ways to personalize your career and making the journey feel less formulaic. On the other hand, it can be a bit confusing at first, especially for players used to the old ways.

To progress effectively, pay attention to both your performance and your player’s off-field development. Work with your team’s goals, hit specific objectives, and be strategic with your training. And don’t forget that if you want to speed things up, knowinghow to buy MLB 26 stubs can make a big difference in your progression.

In the end, RTTS in MLB The Show 26 offers more freedom and variety. If you embrace the changes and take a more holistic approach to your player’s growth, you’ll find that the less-linear path can lead to a much richer and more rewarding career.