After the August 21 drop, Rising Stars feels like the Event where roster habits get exposed fast. Your usual powerhouse squad may look loaded, yet one misplaced card can keep you out of the queue. Players planning upgrades often keep an eye on MLB The Show 26 Stubs while deciding which eligible prospects are worth adding.

Read the Eligibility Screen Before Building

The allowed pool is narrow, but it has real depth. Pipeline Series and Spring Breakout Series cards are eligible, along with any player aged 25 or younger and Live Series Bronze or Common cards. Most high-tier Live Series options, Legends, New Threads, Field of Dreams, and Spotlight cards do not qualify unless they meet the age requirement. That includes the new Spotlight Gunnar Henderson, despite how useful he is elsewhere.

1. Verify every starter before entering the Event.

2. Check player ages instead of trusting overall ratings.

3. Save unrestricted cards for Ranked lineups.

Build Around Pipeline Cards First

Pipeline cards should carry the core of this squad. The Pipeline Program, My Legacy - Pipeline, Conquest, Mini Seasons, and Diamond Quest all supply options that fit naturally here. In actual games, these cards usually provide better speed, defense, and matchup flexibility than randomly selected young players. Use your strongest Pipeline bats in the starting lineup, then fill weak positions with 25-and-under players. Bronze and Common Live Series cards are most useful as bench pieces, defensive replacements, or pitching depth.

The important part is not chasing one giant overall number. You need players who cover positions cleanly and let you make late-game substitutions without weakening the defense.

Turn Each Event Game Into Program Progress

Rising Stars works best when you treat wins, missions, and Parallel XP as one shared loop. Claim rewards as soon as they appear, then place new Pipeline cards into the lineup immediately. The Event Program offers Pipeline No-Sell Choice Packs and Deluxe Pipeline Packs, so a productive session can improve the squad you are using at the same time.

1. Start with Event games while missions remain unfinished.

2. Move to Conquest when online games feel repetitive.

3. Use Mini Seasons for steadier offline Parallel XP.

Conquest and Mini Seasons are useful between Event sessions because the same prospect-heavy roster keeps earning progress. You are not rebuilding from scratch every time you change modes.

Who Should Focus on Rising Stars

This Event suits players who enjoy developing a young roster rather than relying on familiar Legends. It is also a strong fit if you need Pipeline cards for several programs at once. Keep Gunnar Henderson and other Spotlight pulls in a separate competitive squad, and use Rising Stars for focused prospect progress. If you decide to buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs, prioritize eligible Pipeline needs first, then keep the rest of your resources for unrestricted modes.