If you’re just starting out in MLB The Show 26, one of the most important things to understand is Quirks. These are special, passive abilities that give your players situational boosts—like extra contact, power, or velocity—but only under certain conditions. Unlike your standard stats (e.g., 99 Power), Quirks aren’t always active. Knowing how they work can give you a big edge in Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, or any game mode.
Core Hitting Quirks
Hitting quirks are some of the most valuable for batters because they can directly improve your performance at the plate:
Dead Red – Gives a small boost when hitting fastballs. Essential for facing power pitchers.
Breaking Ball Hitter – Boosts your ability to hit curves, sliders, and other breaking pitches.
Bad Ball Hitter – Helps you make solid contact on pitches outside the strike zone.
First-Pitch Hitter – Provides a boost on the very first pitch of an at-bat, perfect for aggressive hitters.
With the right combination, these quirks can make a mid-tier player perform like a superstar in certain situations.
Pitching & Situational Quirks
Pitchers and situational cards also benefit from quirks that trigger based on fatigue, location, or game context:
Outlier I & II – Lets your pitcher throw faster than normal, sometimes over 100+ mph.
Break Outlier – Keeps pitch movement sharper even when your pitcher gets tired.
Homebody / Road Warrior – Boosts performance at your home park or when playing on the road.
Day / Night Player – Increases certain attributes depending on whether the game is day or night.
Fighter – Activates late in the game (9th inning+), improving clutch performance under pressure.
These quirks are especially useful in high-stakes moments, like playoffs or close online matches.
Strategic Tips for New Players
Check the Icons – Always look at the Quirk icons on a player’s card or during a pause menu. Knowing what will activate in-game helps you plan your lineup.
Look Beyond Overall (OVR) – A 90 OVR player with strong quirks like Dead Red or Outlier may outperform a 95 OVR player without any.
Clutch Performance Matters – Some quirks, such as Stopper, only activate when your team is losing, making these players ideal for comebacks.
Consider Live Series Cards – Live Series cards usually have more quirks than Flashback or Legend cards, reflecting real-world performance.
Core Hitting Quirks
Hitting quirks are some of the most valuable for batters because they can directly improve your performance at the plate:
Dead Red – Gives a small boost when hitting fastballs. Essential for facing power pitchers.
Breaking Ball Hitter – Boosts your ability to hit curves, sliders, and other breaking pitches.
Bad Ball Hitter – Helps you make solid contact on pitches outside the strike zone.
First-Pitch Hitter – Provides a boost on the very first pitch of an at-bat, perfect for aggressive hitters.
With the right combination, these quirks can make a mid-tier player perform like a superstar in certain situations.
Pitching & Situational Quirks
Pitchers and situational cards also benefit from quirks that trigger based on fatigue, location, or game context:
Outlier I & II – Lets your pitcher throw faster than normal, sometimes over 100+ mph.
Break Outlier – Keeps pitch movement sharper even when your pitcher gets tired.
Homebody / Road Warrior – Boosts performance at your home park or when playing on the road.
Day / Night Player – Increases certain attributes depending on whether the game is day or night.
Fighter – Activates late in the game (9th inning+), improving clutch performance under pressure.
These quirks are especially useful in high-stakes moments, like playoffs or close online matches.
Strategic Tips for New Players
Check the Icons – Always look at the Quirk icons on a player’s card or during a pause menu. Knowing what will activate in-game helps you plan your lineup.
Look Beyond Overall (OVR) – A 90 OVR player with strong quirks like Dead Red or Outlier may outperform a 95 OVR player without any.
Clutch Performance Matters – Some quirks, such as Stopper, only activate when your team is losing, making these players ideal for comebacks.
Consider Live Series Cards – Live Series cards usually have more quirks than Flashback or Legend cards, reflecting real-world performance.
