Leonardo Bernal is one of the first rewards worth grabbing in the September Spotlight Drop 2 Program in MLB The Show 26. The 97 OVR Topps Now catcher is available early, making him a useful pickup for Diamond Dynasty players who need help behind the plate. If you are managing your roster and saving MLB Stubs for other upgrades, Bernal is especially useful because you can earn him directly through the program.

How To Unlock Leonardo Bernal

Bernal is available at 10 program points, so getting him does not take much grinding.

The easiest route is through the program Moments:

• Each standard Moment gives 4 points
• Three completed Moments provide 12 points
• Reaching 10 points unlocks Bernal
• No marketplace purchase is required
• The card can then be used for additional program progress

This makes Bernal a good early target for both new players and returning Diamond Dynasty players. If you plan to buy MLB Stubs, you can also save those resources for cards or upgrades that are not available through the current program.

Why Leonardo Bernal Is Worth Using

Catcher can be an awkward position to fill, especially when you are trying to build a competitive roster without spending heavily. A free 97 OVR card gives you a solid option while you work toward stronger rewards later in the program.

Bernal is also a Topps Now player, which matters for program progression. Once you unlock him, putting him into your lineup allows his Parallel XP to contribute toward the related missions.

Bernal Quick Details:

• Overall: 97 OVR
• Position: Catcher
• Team: St. Louis Cardinals
• Card Series: Topps Now
• Program: September Spotlight Drop 2
• Unlock: 10 Points
• Main Use: Catcher and program XP contributor

How To Grind The September Spotlight Program

After unlocking Bernal, do not simply leave him on the bench. Put him into your Diamond Dynasty lineup and work on the program missions while playing normal modes.

Useful options include:

1. Conquest – Good for combining gameplay objectives with general progression.
2. Mini Seasons – Useful if you prefer longer offline games.
3. Play vs. CPU – A straightforward way to earn PXP with specific cards.
4. Online Modes – Best if you already play competitive Diamond Dynasty regularly.

The main goal is to stack objectives whenever possible. Players looking for cheap MLB Stubs can avoid unnecessary spending by using free program cards like Bernal while working toward later rewards.

How To Reach Adael Amador

The September Spotlight Drop 2 path does not end with Bernal. You can continue earning points through Moments, missions, Parallel XP, and optional collections.

A particularly useful target is the broader 5,000 PXP requirement with eligible Spotlight or Topps Now players. The early PXP mission overlaps with this objective, so Bernal can help you make progress toward the later rewards simply by playing games.

Completing all seven regular Moments and the gameplay objectives can take you to 58 points, which is enough to pass the 50-point requirement for 99 OVR Adael Amador.

Should You Complete The Optional Collections?

Collections can provide extra program points, but they are not always the best first move. Cards used in collections become no-sell, so think about whether you actually need those cards before locking them in.

A simple approach is:

• Complete the free Moments first
• Unlock Bernal at 10 points
• Use Bernal for PXP missions
• Finish the gameplay objectives
• Check your remaining point total
• Only then decide whether collections are worthwhile

This keeps your roster flexible and reduces the need to spend currency just to finish the program.

Final Tips For Leonardo Bernal

Bernal is more than a quick 97 OVR catcher reward. He can also help you progress through the same program that eventually leads to higher-rated cards such as Adael Amador. His recent MLB performance gives the Topps Now item some extra context, but the real value for Diamond Dynasty players comes from how easily he fits into the current program grind.

If you are building a Cardinals lineup, improving your catcher position, or simply want to complete September Spotlight Drop 2 efficiently, Bernal should be one of your first targets. Before buy MLB Stubs, check how much of the program you can complete with its free rewards first. You may be able to strengthen several positions without spending much at all.