The September 11 roster update has changed the shape of the Live Series market in MLB The Show 26. More than 700 player ratings moved, but four upgrades stand out because they affect positions many Diamond Dynasty players are still trying to settle: Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo. Before spending your MLB 26 Stubs, it is worth looking past the shiny Diamond label and asking a simple question: does the card solve a real problem on your roster? Elly brings sBlockedword/sentence-hitting and serious speed at shortstop. Harris II offers contact and range in center. Chourio gives you another flexible outfielder, while Luzardo is the one player in this group who can change the look of a starting rotation.
Elly De La Cruz Changes the Pace
Elly De La Cruz moved from an 83 to an 85 overall rating, and the most useful changes came against left-handed pitching. His Contact vs LHP now sits at 96, while his Power vs LHP has climbed to 82. Those numbers make him much less predictable at the plate, especially because he can hit from either side.
Speed is still the main reason many players will want to try him. Elly can turn a single into a scoring threat, stretch a gap hit into extra bases, and create pressure before the next batter even steps in. Shortstop also matters here. Finding a player who can cover the position, hit from both sides, and move well on the bases is not always easy. His overall rating does not mean he belongs on every roster, though. If your current shortstop already gives you strong defence and dependable hitting, the upgrade may be less urgent than it first appears.
Harris II Brings Stability to Center Field
Michael Harris II also reached an 85 overall rating after starting at 84. His Contact vs RHP rose from 81 to 87, which gives him a clearer role against the right-handed starters you will see most often. He is not built around one extreme attribute. That is part of the appeal.
Center field can expose a weak defender quickly, particularly when opponents use lineups built around hard contact and deep fly balls. Harris II has the range to cover ground and the athleticism to make difficult plays look manageable. At the plate, he fits best in a lineup that values steady at-bats rather than relying on one big swing every inning. You may not notice his value in one dramatic moment. Over several games, though, fewer missed chances in the outfield and more reliable contact can make a real difference.
Chourio Gives You More Lineup Options
Jackson Chourio climbed from an 84 to an 85 overall rating, with Contact vs RHP improving from 69 to 76. His Vision and Clutch attributes also received attention, which helps round out the card. He may not be the obvious choice for players searching only for power, but that is not really where his value sits.
Chourio works well when you like to adjust your outfield based on matchups. His athleticism allows him to move between positions without making the defence feel noticeably weaker. He also gives a power-heavy lineup a different kind of threat. If several of your hitters already rely on home runs, adding speed can change how opponents pitch to you. You can take an extra base, put pressure on slower defenders, and avoid building an offence that has only one way to score. That flexibility makes Chourio more useful than his overall rating may suggest.
Why Luzardo May Matter Most
Jesús Luzardo Blockedword/sentencee the largest jump of the four players, moving from an 84 to an 87 overall rating. The left-handed starter now has 79 Pitching Clutch, 65 H/9 against right-handed hitters, and 84 K/9 against left-handed hitters. Those upgrades give him a stronger identity than simply being another high-rated pitcher.
Luzardo is worth a serious look if your rotation lacks a dependable left-handed option. He can be especially helpful when your other starters struggle against left-handed batters or when you need a pitcher who can generate swings and misses in key counts. Still, the card should be judged alongside your current rotation. Pitching style matters. Some players prefer a starter with a particular release point, pitch mix, or speed range, and a higher overall rating will not automatically make Luzardo feel comfortable for everyone. Test him before making a major change to your staff.
Final Thoughts
These four new Diamonds each answer a different roster question. Elly is the choice for speed, sBlockedword/sentence-hitting, and shortstop coverage. Harris II offers a steady centre-field option with improved contact against right-handed pitching. Chourio adds movement and outfield flexibility, while Luzardo gives left-handed rotations a meaningful upgrade. Start with the weakest area of your lineup, compare each card with the player already holding that spot, and spend carefully rather than chasing every rating change. When you are ready to fill a specific gap, checking MLB Stubs for sale can help you plan your next roster move around the players you actually need.