U4GM MLB The Show 26 Bauers and Contreras Rewards Guide

Author : Hartmann846 Werner | Published On : 15 Nov 2026

MLB The Show 26 awards 99 overall Jake Bauers at 32 collected 2026 Postseason cards and 99 overall William Contreras at 49. The route also gives you Munetaka Murakami and Freddy Peralta at earlier milestones, so check MLB The Show 26 Stubs while planning your postseason collection route. These requirements apply to the collection described for November 2026.

1 How Do You Unlock Bauers and Contreras

MLB The Show 26 uses one 2026 Postseason collection with milestones at 27, 32, 38, and 49 eligible cards. The first 27 cards come from the four Wild Card programs and four Division Series programs, unlocking Munetaka Murakami.

Collect the four Dodgers versus Brewers program cards to reach 32 and claim Jake Bauers. After claiming him, collect Bauers as well, because milestone rewards count toward later totals only after you submit them to the collection.

The five Guardians versus Rays program cards take the total to 38 for Freddy Peralta. Ten World Series Program player cards complete the path to 49 for William Contreras, and Contreras cannot count toward the milestone that unlocks him.

2 Which Programs Give the Fastest Collection Progress

The World Series Program is the most direct way to finish the final stretch because it supplies ten player cards for the collection. Its Moments award five program points each, while Jacob Misiorowski is available at 100 points.

Use eligible games to combine program objectives instead of completing each task in isolation. Brewers hitters can work toward eight Brewers hits, Rays players can cover their hit and strikeout missions, and 2026 Postseason cards can earn parallel experience at the same time.

1) Start with the Wild Card and Division Series programs and collect every eligible card toward the 27-card milestone.

2) Complete the Dodgers versus Brewers and Guardians versus Rays programs, then claim and collect Bauers and Peralta as soon as each reward unlocks.

3) Use the World Series Program Moments and missions to earn its ten player cards, checking the collection screen before submitting each card.

3 How Should You Use the Two Rewards in a Lineup

Jake Bauers fits first base as a left-handed hitter, while William Contreras fills catcher as a right-handed hitter. Bauers has 112 contact and 116 power against right-handed pitching, plus 113 contact and 120 power against left-handed pitching, so a normal swing is a practical starting point against either side.

Bauers also has 62 fielding and 63 speed, with left field and right field listed as secondary positions. First base is the safer defensive assignment unless your roster has a clear need in the corner outfield. His Pinch Hitter quirk gives him additional late-game value when another first baseman starts.

◆ Pair Bauers at first base with Contreras behind the plate when you want both rewards in the starting lineup without a position conflict.

◆ Batting the left-handed Bauers near the right-handed Contreras can make one-sided pitching matchups less convenient for the opposing manager.

◆ Keep a reserve catcher available if you expect to replace Contreras late, since catcher defense matters more when opponents run or attack the dirt.

4 What Should You Check Before Submitting Cards

Confirm that every card is the exact eligible 2026 Postseason version before locking it into the collection. Different series can show the same player, and William Contreras is separate from Willson Contreras, so verify the first name, team, series, and position.

William Contreras also has a captain option for 2026 Postseason players. The highest listed tier requires 15 qualifying cards and provides 8 contact against each pitching hand and 8 hits per nine innings against each batting hand, but only eligible cards on the active squad count toward the displayed tier.

Compare the captain requirement with your planned roster before submitting cards that could help another lineup. A Live Series version and a 2026 Postseason version may represent the same player while qualifying differently, so review the captain details after every substitution.

Which Option Should Players Choose

Choose the full collection route if you want both Milwaukee rewards and can complete the postseason programs. Prioritize Bauers at 32 when you need a left-handed first baseman, then continue to 49 for Contreras if your catcher position benefits from his bat and captain eligibility.

Before each session, check the active collection total, collect any unlocked milestone reward, and confirm the mission mode and player requirements before starting. When you are ready to organize the remaining collection resources, use cheap MLB The Show 26 Stubs to support your next Diamond Dynasty session.