U4GM Guide to Julio Franco in MLB The Show 26

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The new MLBx Program gives Diamond Dynasty players another 99 OVR card to chase, and Julio Franco is the final player reward. For players managing their MLB Stubs, this program is worth checking before spending resources on another infielder. Franco brings excellent contact, useful speed, and several secondary positions that can make roster building much easier.

MLBx Program Rewards

The program launched on September 18 and features four former MLB stars. Julio Franco sits at the end of the 60-point reward path.

Here is the main progression:

• 10 Points: 99 OVR Adrian Gonzalez
• 30 Points: 99 OVR Ryan Howard
• 40 Points: 99 OVR Shane Victorino
• 60 Points: 99 OVR Julio Franco
• XP and pack rewards are available between the player milestones.

If you were planning to buy MLB Stubs for a new first baseman or middle infielder, Franco's position flexibility makes him an interesting alternative. You can move him around the infield instead of building your roster around a single defensive position.

Julio Franco Card Breakdown

Franco is primarily a first baseman, but he also has secondary eligibility at second base, shortstop, and designated hitter. That gives him plenty of uses depending on the rest of your Diamond Dynasty roster.

His hitting attributes are where the card really stands out:

• 115 Contact vs RHP
• 115 Contact vs LHP
• 125 Vision
• 121 Clutch
• 80 Power vs RHP
• 88 Power vs LHP
• 85 Speed
• 88 Stealing
• 92 Arm Strength

The 115 contact ratings from both sides mean Franco can handle right- and left-handed pitchers without needing a platoon partner. His power is not elite, but it is high enough to punish mistakes, especially when combined with his excellent vision.

Franco's Best Quirks

Franco comes with six quirks that give him some extra value in different situations.

First-Pitch Hitter and Dead Red can reward players who attack early-count fastballs. Situational Hitter is useful when Franco comes up with runners in scoring position, while Pinch Hitter makes him a strong bench option.

His Homebody and Night Player quirks can also provide situational advantages depending on where and when you use him. If you are comparing cheap MLB Stubs options, remember that Franco's value is not limited to his overall rating. His versatility can save a roster spot and give you more lineup combinations.

How to Finish the MLBx Program

The program does not require an extreme grind if you combine the missions instead of completing them one at a time.

Main Objectives:

• Complete six Veteran-difficulty Moments
• Earn 1,200 PXP with hitters
• Hit 4 home runs
• Record hits with infielders
• Earn total bases with outfielders
• Complete general hit and total-base missions

The six Moments are worth 30 points, which means they should be your first stop. After that, use the required player types in Conquest, Mini Seasons, or another mode you regularly play.

A simple way to speed things up is to build a lineup that includes the needed infielders and outfielders at the same time. This lets you work toward several missions during the same games instead of constantly changing your roster.

Franco's Role in Diamond Dynasty

Franco is not a card that needs to be used in only one position. His contact makes him suitable for the top or middle of the lineup, while his speed gives him another way to create offense after reaching base.

His defensive flexibility is also useful late in games. You can move him between first, second, and shortstop depending on substitutions and matchups. Players who like experimenting with different lineups may get more value from this flexibility than they would from a specialist locked into one position.

Final Tips

The MLBx Program is worth completing even if Julio Franco is not an immediate starter. Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino provide additional 99 OVR rewards, while the program missions can be completed alongside normal Diamond Dynasty gameplay.

If you are browsing buy MLB Stubs, consider finishing the MLBx rewards first. Franco's elite contact, switch-hitting ability, speed, and multi-position eligibility make him a useful card to test before committing your resources elsewhere.