As a long-time Franchise Mode player, I’ve noticed that many users consistently miss out on elite prospects during the draft. By MLB The Show 26 Stubs following this MLB The Show 26 Scouting Guide, I’ve successfully uncovered multiple 99-potential players and built stacked draft classes year after year. So, how can you consistently find future superstars and dominate the draft?
Successful drafting starts with the right scouts. Your Discovery Scout should prioritize Discovery above all else. Position Player Scouts should have at least 95 Efficiency, while Pitching Scouts should focus on the highest possible Pitcher rating. Smart specialization is far more effective than simply hiring the most expensive scouts.
For the first four weeks of the season, run two Discovery Scouts whenever possible. This approach maximizes the number of prospects you uncover before committing to detailed scouting, giving you a significant advantage over traditional scouting methods.
Look for these key indicators:
Be cautious of prospects showing extreme ratings such as 99 Speed or 99 Contact. These players often look incredible at first but tend to fall short of their projected ceilings after scouting.
Target players with high potential and low overall ratings. A large gap between overall and potential usually signals strong development upside. Players aged 18–20 are especially valuable, and prospects with multiple low minimum ratings often have a better chance of reaching their maximum potential.
Prioritize position players in the early rounds, as elite hitters are generally harder to find than quality pitchers. If the draft class looks weak, closers and relievers often provide outstanding value and can become excellent long-term assets.
Whether you're rebuilding a struggling franchise or building a long-term dynasty, this strategy will help you consistently draft high-potential prospects, improve scouting efficiency, and create a roster filled with future stars.
