Ryan Howard is back in MLB The Show 26, and his new 99 OVR MLBx card gives Diamond Dynasty players another serious power option at first base. The former Phillies slugger is exactly the type of hitter many players enjoy using: huge power, a dangerous left-handed swing, and enough hitting ability to punish mistakes. If you are planning your September roster upgrades, check your MLB Stubs balance before deciding whether to buy cards around this program.
How to Unlock Ryan Howard
Howard is the 30-point reward in the MLBx Program, sitting between Adrian Gonzalez and Shane Victorino.
The reward path is:
• 10 Points: 99 OVR Adrian Gonzalez
• 30 Points: 99 OVR Ryan Howard
• 40 Points: 99 OVR Shane Victorino
• 60 Points: 99 OVR Julio Franco
The good news is that Howard does not require a pack pull or Community Market purchase. You simply need to earn enough Program points. This makes the card particularly attractive to players who would rather buy MLB Stubs only when they have a specific roster or collection goal.
Fastest Way to Reach 30 Points
The MLBx Program is fairly easy to work through because most objectives revolve around normal hitting gameplay.
Start with the six Moments, which are worth five points each. They are played on Veteran difficulty, so they provide a quick 30-point route by themselves if you complete all of them.
If you prefer earning progress through regular games, work on the missions at the same time. Key objectives include:
• Earn 1,200 PXP with hitters
• Hit four home runs
• Record 10 hits
• Earn total bases with outfielders
• Record hits with infielders
There is no need to completely rebuild your roster. Use players you are already comfortable with and stack several objectives whenever possible. Saving your cheap MLB Stubs for other roster upgrades can also make more sense than buying players specifically for these missions.
Ryan Howard 99 OVR Attributes
Howard's biggest selling point is obvious: power.
His MLBx card comes with:
• 108 Contact vs RHP
• 94 Contact vs LHP
• 125 Power vs RHP
• 106 Power vs LHP
That 125 Power against right-handed pitching is the number that immediately stands out. However, his lefty splits are also strong enough that opponents cannot simply bring in a left-handed reliever and expect an easy matchup.
He also has useful hitting quirks such as Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, First-Pitch Hitter, Bad Ball Hitter, and Situational Hitter.
How to Use Howard in Diamond Dynasty
Howard should be treated as a middle-of-the-order bat rather than a player you hide at the bottom of the lineup.
A simple setup is:
1. Put contact hitters ahead of him.
Give Howard runners to drive home instead of asking him to create everything himself.
2. Look for pitches you can drive.
His power makes mistakes extremely costly, but swinging at everything can turn that advantage into weak contact.
3. Attack fastballs early.
With First-Pitch Hitter and Dead Red, a hittable first-pitch fastball can be an excellent opportunity to do damage.
4. Do not chase low breaking balls.
Opponents will often try to neutralize power hitters by working below the zone. Stay patient and wait for something you can handle.
Should You Spend Stubs Around the Program?
Not necessarily. Since Howard can be earned directly through gameplay, there is little reason to rush into expensive purchases just to obtain him.
If you are looking at MLB Stubs for sale, first check whether the cards you need can be earned through Programs, packs, Events, or other Diamond Dynasty content. The MLBx Program itself already provides several valuable rewards, so completing the path naturally can save resources for later roster upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Ryan Howard is a straightforward card to use and an equally straightforward reward to pursue. Earn the first 30 Program points, add the Phillies legend to your lineup, and build your offense around his ability to punish mistakes.
For players managing MLB The Show Stubs, the smartest approach is to earn Howard through the MLBx Program first and spend only when a purchase actually improves your roster. His 99 OVR card gives Diamond Dynasty another powerful left-handed bat without requiring a complicated grind or expensive investment.
Comments