Diamond Dynasty players have a very easy route to a premium Nolan Arenado card this week. MLB The Show 26 is marking his 2,000th career hit with a free 99 Overall Red Diamond, and it's not one of those programs that asks you to grind for days. If you've got the old Gold Icon sitting in your inventory, you're already in great shape. Players who'd rather save their time for roster upgrades can also keep an eye on MLB 26 stubs while working through the program at their own pace. Arenado reached the milestone on July 20, 2026, drilling a double off Jeffrey Springs at Chase Field. At 35, the 10-time Gold Glover is still a serious option at third base, both in real life and in-game.
The quick collection boost
The biggest shortcut is tucked away in the Collections section. Collect the 1,500 Hits Gold Icon inside the Arenado Milestone Program, and you'll receive 100 of the 200 stars needed for the reward. That's the part many players will want to check before playing anything. There's no tricky exchange, no stat mission attached, and no need to win a ranked game. Just make sure the icon hasn't been overlooked in your collection screen. Once it's locked in, the path to the 99 card feels a lot less like a chore.
Start with the career moments
After the collection, knock out the five Moments. They're short, simple, and built around stops from Arenado's career. You'll earn 50 stars for finishing the set.
- Where It Starts
- Cycle of Drama
- Go-Ahead Grand
- Arch Arrival
- 2,000 and Counting
Most players should be through these in a few minutes, especially if the hitting difficulty doesn't give them any trouble. It's worth doing them before chasing Parallel XP because they provide fast, guaranteed progress.
Finish the Parallel XP requirement
| Program task | Stars | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Five Moments | 50 | Complete every Arenado challenge |
| Gold Icon collection | 100 | Collect the 1,500 Hits Icon |
| Team Parallel XP | 50 | Earn 2,000 XP with eligible clubs |
The remaining 50 stars come from 2,000 Parallel XP using Rockies, Cardinals, or Diamondbacks players. It's a nice nod to every MLB uniform Arenado has worn. Play vs CPU is probably the relaxed choice, but Conquest, Mini Seasons, Events, Battle Royale, and Ranked all count. Build a mixed squad from those three teams, then let the innings add up.
A reward worth the short grind
Hit 200 stars and the 99 Overall 2000 Hit Club Arenado is yours, no paid pack required. He gives a Diamond Dynasty lineup a dependable glove at the hot corner and enough offensive punch to stay relevant against tough pitching. For anyone planning a bigger squad refresh, MLB The Show 26 stubs for sale can help cover other needs, while Arenado remains one of the best free cards you can add right now.
