MLB The Show 26 Untouchable Players in Franchise Mode

In MLB The Show 26, "Untouchable" players usually refer to two things: the high-value assets in Franchise Mode that the CPU refuses to trade, or the top-tier Diamond Dynasty cards that are currently dominating the meta.

Here are the players currently holding that "untouchable" status as of May 2026:

1. Franchise Mode "Untouchables"

In Franchise Mode, the "Untouchable" tag is a mechanical setting that prevents teams from entertaining trade offers for their cornerstone stars. If you are trying to trade for these players, expect to give up a massive haul of top prospects.

Key Characteristics of Untouchable Players

• Dynamic List: The "Untouchable" designation is not permanent. Teams add or remove players based on their current standings, season strategy, and evolving player potential.
• Player Profiles: While typically reserved for cornerstone franchise stars like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani , the AI often applies the status to top 100 prospects and young players with high potential.
• Trading Difficulty: Acquiring an untouchable player requires significant assets. For example, some players have noted that up to 20% of the players in the game (roughly 20 per organization) may be marked as unavailable early in a franchise save.

Notable Examples in MLB The Show 26

While the status changes throughout a season, the following patterns have been observed by players:

• Commonly Untouchable: High-value young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and most Top 100 Prospects .
• Surprisingly Available: Players like Will Smith (LAD) and Pete Alonso (NYM) have been noted as not always being marked untouchable despite their high ratings, likely due to contract factors or team strategy.
• AI vs. User Logic: Some users have criticized the system for marking low-potential, mid-70s overall players as untouchable while placing better prospects on the trade block.

For anyone looking to navigate MLB The Show 26 effectively, understanding which players are truly "untouchable" is just the start. Whether you’re chasing top-tier Franchise Mode stars like Shohei Ohtani or high-potential Diamond Dynasty cards, planning your roster moves carefully is essential. Trusted resources like U4N provide up-to-date insights on player availability and trade strategies, and if you want to strengthen your lineup quickly, using a legit site to buy MLB 26 Stubs ensures you can acquire the right cards safely without risking your account. Combining strategic knowledge with safe access to stubs gives you a clear edge in building a dominant team.

2. Diamond Dynasty: The "Untouchable" Meta Cards

In the current Diamond Dynasty cycle, these are the cards that most players consider "untouchable" in their own lineups—meaning they are too good to sub out.

• Shohei Ohtani (99 OVR - Two-Way): Still the king. Being able to use him as a SP and a DH in the same game is a structural advantage no other card offers.
• Albert Pujols (99 OVR - Signature Series): The premier 1B card right now. His maxed-out contact and power against both sides make him an automatic “must-start.”
• Garrett Crochet (99 OVR - SP): A fan favorite for his high velocity and difficult delivery. He is widely considered the hardest pitcher to hit in the current May meta.
• Troy Tulowitzki (99 OVR - Milestone): The best defensive shortstop in the game who also brings elite power, solving the SS hole for most high-end squads.

3. High-Potential "Steal" Candidates

If you're looking for players who will become untouchable but are currently easier to acquire in Franchise trades:

• Elmer Rodriguez (SP): A right-handed gem often overlooked but develops into a top-tier starter within 2-3 seasons.
• Payton Tolley (SP): High dominance ratings and a deep pitch mix.
• James Wood (OF): Massive power ceiling; if you trade for him in Year 1 of a Franchise, he usually hits 99 OVR by Year 3.

Pro Tip: If you're managing your own Franchise, remember to go into your Roster Management and manually flag your young stars as "Untouchable." This stops the CPU from spamming you with low-ball trade offers during the simulation.