MLB The Show 26 added the Max Scherzer Cornerstone Program on October 23, giving Diamond Dynasty players a chance to earn a 99 OVR Washington Nationals starting pitcher. The program features five career-themed Moments, two straightforward missions, and several useful rewards, making it a worthwhile stop for players looking to strengthen their rotation.

Before spending time on other roster upgrades, check your current lineup and see how Scherzer fits your team. Managing your MLB Stubs alongside free program rewards can also help you plan your next Diamond Dynasty moves.

Complete All Five Scherzer Moments

Each Moment awards six program points, giving you 30 points if you finish all five. The challenges follow key stages of Scherzer's career:

• 2013 AL Cy Young Award Winner
• Scherzer Ties Single-Game Strikeout Record
• 2016 and 2017 NL Cy Young Award Winner
• Nationals World Series Champion
• Nationals Cornerstone

Start with these Moments to build your initial progress. Each challenge focuses on a different career highlight, from Scherzer's dominant seasons to his championship run with Washington.

If you're working toward a stronger pitching rotation, completing the Moments first is a simple way to secure most of the required points. Players planning additional roster improvements can also explore how to buy MLB Stubs while keeping the program's free rewards as part of their overall upgrade strategy.

Finish the Two Missions for 20 More Points

After completing the Moments, turn to the two missions worth 10 points each.

• Record seven strikeouts with any pitchers: Earn 10 program points.
• Earn 3,557 Parallel XP with any players: Earn another 10 program points.

The best part is that both objectives work with your existing Diamond Dynasty squad. You don't need a particular card series to complete either mission, which makes the grind much more flexible.

Which Game Modes Should You Use?

Eligible modes include Ranked, Ranked Co-op, Battle Royale, Events, Weekend Classic, Play vs CPU, Mini Seasons, Conquest, and Diamond Quest.

For a more relaxed approach, Play vs CPU and Mini Seasons are worth considering if the relevant mission allows them. Use pitchers you are comfortable with to accumulate strikeouts, while your regular hitters and fielders earn Parallel XP.

Before starting a game, check the mission tracker for its exact requirements. Choosing an eligible mode that lets you make progress on multiple objectives can save time. If you need more flexibility when building your squad, comparing cheap MLB Stubs options may help you plan future player acquisitions.

Max Scherzer Program Rewards

Complete all five Moments and both missions to reach the full 50-point reward total.

The rewards include:

• 99 OVR Max Scherzer: Nationals Cornerstone Series starting pitcher.
• Six The Show Packs: Additional opportunities to add cards to your collection.
• 500 Stubs: Currency for Diamond Dynasty.
• 20,000 XP: Progress toward your broader XP rewards.

Remember that program points and XP serve different purposes. Program points advance the Scherzer reward track, while the 20,000 XP contributes to your overall progression.

Is the Max Scherzer Program Worth Completing?

For most Diamond Dynasty players, the answer is yes. Five Moments and two missions provide a clear route to a guaranteed 99 OVR starting pitcher without requiring a specialized lineup. Finish the Moments first, then complete the strikeout and Parallel XP objectives with players you already use.

Scherzer is the main attraction, but the packs, Stubs, and XP make the program worthwhile even if your rotation is already in good shape. If you're planning to chase more high-rated players afterward, MLB Stubs for sale is another option to consider when planning your next Diamond Dynasty roster upgrades.