Halloween has arrived in Diamond Dynasty, bringing the Spooky Program to MLB The Show 26 on October 26, 2026. The limited-time reward track features high-rated player cards, seasonal cosmetics, packs, and XP. The main attraction is 99 OVR Spooky J.R. Richard, which you can unlock after earning just 20 program points. If you're planning how to improve your lineup, managing your MLB Stubs and choosing the right rewards can help you make the most of this Halloween event.

How to Unlock Spooky J.R. Richard

The fastest way to get started is to complete Spooky Conquest, the opening challenge available at launch.

Here's what to do:

• Enter Spooky Conquest: Open Diamond Dynasty and find the Halloween-themed Conquest map.
• Complete the challenge: Finish the required Conquest objectives to earn 20 Spooky Program points.
• Claim J.R. Richard: Reach the 20-point milestone to unlock the 99 OVR Spooky J.R. Richard card and collect the accompanying 4,000 XP.
• Check your lineup: Compare Richard's attributes with your current rotation before deciding where he fits.

Completing Spooky Conquest also unlocks 99 OVR Willie Mays, giving you another valuable card without having to grind through the entire reward track. For players building a competitive squad, these two early rewards make the opening challenge well worth completing.

MLB The Show 26 Spooky Program Rewards

The program stretches across 100 points, mixing player rewards, packs, stadium customization, and mystery vouchers. Here's a breakdown of the key milestones.

Early Milestones: 5–30 Points

• 5 points: Spider Web Banner
• 10 points: Deluxe Pack
• 15 points: Mummy Icon
• 20 points: 99 OVR Spooky J.R. Richard and 4,000 XP
• 25 points: Werewolf Icon
• 30 points: Deluxe Pack

These early rewards are the easiest place to start. Since Spooky Conquest provides the first 20 points, you can collect Richard without spending time working through every later milestone.

Mid-Program Rewards: 35–70 Points

• 35 points: MLB Draft Pack
• 40 points: Mystery Item Voucher and 4,000 XP
• 45 points: Werewolf Stadium Sound
• 50 points: Deluxe Pack
• 55 points: Premier Choice Pack
• 60 points: Mystery Item Voucher and 4,000 XP
• 65 points: Goat Stadium Sound
• 70 points: Deluxe Pack

The middle section focuses on packs, customization, and additional XP. Choice packs are particularly worth checking because their available player selections may help fill gaps in your roster.

If you're considering whether to buy MLB Stubs for other Diamond Dynasty upgrades, prioritize the free Spooky Program rewards first. Claiming event cards and packs before spending your resources gives you a clearer picture of what your lineup actually needs.

Final Milestones: 75–100 Points

• 75 points: Vault Choice Pack
• 80 points: Mystery Item Voucher and 4,000 XP
• 85 points: Halloween Bat Skin
• 90 points: Deluxe Choice Pack
• 95 points: Headliners Player Choice Pack
• 100 points: Mystery Item Voucher and 4,000 XP

The final stretch offers more opportunities to obtain players and collectibles. Four Mystery Item Vouchers appear at 40, 60, 80, and 100 points. Each comes with 4,000 XP, bringing the voucher rewards to 16,000 XP. Including Richard's milestone, the five listed XP rewards total 20,000 XP.

The contents of the mystery rewards were not fully revealed in the initial launch information, so check the in-game descriptions before planning around any particular card.

Tips for Completing the Spooky Program Efficiently

You don't need to rush through every milestone at once. A sensible approach can help you collect the most useful rewards without wasting time.

• Start with Conquest: Secure Richard and Willie Mays before moving on to other Diamond Dynasty activities.
• Track your points: Check the program screen regularly to see which rewards are within reach.
• Inspect choice packs: Review the available players before selecting a reward, especially if you have specific positions to strengthen.
• Don't overlook cosmetics: Stadium sounds, icons, banners, and the Halloween Bat Skin add seasonal flair to your team.
• Watch for new tasks: Additional objectives were expected throughout Halloween week, so revisit the program to see whether new ways to earn points have become available.

Players looking to strengthen their squads beyond the free rewards can also compare roster needs with the current market before considering cheap MLB Stubs. Spending resources strategically is more useful than chasing every available card.

Is the MLB The Show 26 Spooky Program Worth It?

Yes, particularly if you want high-rated players without committing to a lengthy grind. The combination of 99 OVR J.R. Richard, 99 OVR Willie Mays, packs, and XP makes Spooky Conquest an excellent starting point. The remaining milestones add more value through choice packs and Halloween cosmetics.

For players browsing cheap MLB Stubs for sale to support their Diamond Dynasty progression, the best approach is to claim the program's free rewards first and then identify any remaining roster gaps.