Josiah Hartshorn is one of the first Pipeline Series players worth grabbing in MLB The Show 26. The Chicago Cubs prospect comes with a 98 Overall Red Diamond card that offers switch-hitting power, strong contact, useful defense, and plenty of value for Diamond Dynasty players working through the new program.

If you enjoy prospect cards or need another dangerous bat, Hartshorn is an easy early target. Before spending MLB Stubs on a similar outfielder, it makes sense to unlock him first and see how he fits your lineup.

How to Unlock Josiah Hartshorn

Hartshorn is available early in the Pipeline Series Program, which launched on August 21. Players can earn him at the 10-point milestone along with 2,000 XP, making him one of the most accessible high-rated rewards in the entire program.

You can make progress through several activities, including:

• Pipeline Moments
• Multiplayer missions
• Collection objectives
• Packs and program rewards
• Conquest and Mini Seasons
• Diamond Quest challenges

The five available Moments alone provide 25 total program points, so there is no need to jump straight into online play if you prefer solo content. Since Hartshorn comes so early, completing a few objectives can be a smarter move than immediately looking to buy MLB Stubs for another 98 OVR hitter.

Hartshorn's Key Attributes

At the plate, Hartshorn has the profile of a middle-of-the-order hitter. As a switch hitter, he can stay dangerous regardless of which pitcher is on the mound.

His main offensive ratings are:

• 103 Contact vs. RHP
• 93 Contact vs. LHP
• 102 Power vs. RHP
• 97 Power vs. LHP
• 108 Clutch
• 84 Vision

Those numbers make him more than just a power bat. He can put the ball in play, handle both sides of the mound, and remain dangerous in late-game situations. For players building a lineup on a budget, his free program path may offer more value than spending cheap MLB Stubs on a comparable bat.

Where Should You Play Him?

Hartshorn is listed as a right fielder, and his defensive ratings are solid enough to keep him there. He has 80 Fielding, 85 Arm Strength, and 84 Arm Accuracy. His 53 Speed is the main limitation, so he is not the player you want chasing down everything in a huge outfield.

He can also make sense at first base, where his power and contact become the bigger focus. If your outfield is already crowded with faster defenders, moving Hartshorn to first can be a practical way to keep his bat in the lineup.

Best Way to Hit With Hartshorn

His quirks make fastballs especially dangerous to throw in the wrong spot. Dead Red helps him attack velocity, while First-Pitch Hitter and Situational Hitter can make him even more threatening in favorable counts.

The best approach is simple:

1. Stay patient early in the count.
2. Look for a fastball over the plate.
3. Do not chase breaking pitches below the zone.
4. Let his switch-hitting profile work against bullpen changes.

Because he can hit from both sides, opponents cannot easily neutralize him with a quick pitching change. That flexibility gives him long-term lineup value and makes him a strong free option before considering MLB Stubs for sale for other upgrades.

Why Hartshorn Is One of the Better Early Rewards

Hartshorn's real-life prospect rise adds to the appeal of the card. The young switch-hitting outfielder has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the Cubs system, and his strong 2026 season pushed him into the conversation among baseball's top prospects.

In Diamond Dynasty, though, the biggest reason to use him is much simpler: he is a powerful, well-rounded 98 OVR card that is available very early in the Pipeline Program. Unlock him, give him a few games, and you may find that one of the easiest Pipeline rewards is also one of the best hitters in the program.

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