Ozzie Albies and Bobby Witt Jr. are the two names that can make an infield feel different straight away. Albies brings the kind of switch-hitting bat that keeps an opponent from settling into an easy bullpen plan, while Witt turns routine ground balls into outs and singles into instant pressure. If you're planning where to put your MLB 26 stubs, those two are worth a long look because they affect nearly every inning.

Albies is more than a strong second baseman with a 98 rating. His 100 contact versus right-handed pitching and 120 versus lefties give him a useful job near the top of the order. He puts the ball in play, moves runners, and has the fielding reactions you want when a hard liner comes his way. Witt, also rated 98, plays a louder style. With 99 speed and 99 stealing, he can force rushed throws after reaching base. His 92 fielding and 96 contact against righties make him a steady shortstop, while 113 contact against lefties gives him real value in tough matchups.

Victor Martinez takes the first spot in this group because his 99-rated card covers a lot of lineup needs. At first base, his 115 contact against righties and 125 against lefties create very few empty trips to the plate. The power is there too: 100 versus righties and 116 versus lefties. Since he hits from both sides and carries catcher eligibility, he can solve a roster problem without forcing a major reshuffle. Ketel Marte follows as a flexible 96-rated Red Diamond option. He can handle second base or shortstop, and that flexibility matters when you're testing different batting orders.

1. Use Martinez when your lineup needs a patient, high-contact presence with real extra-base pop.
2. Use Marte when you need one player to cover multiple middle-infield spots.
3. Put Albies near the front when you want contact and switch-hitting balance.
4. Let Witt run when the opposing catcher has a slow release or a weak arm.
5. Keep Tulowitzki at shortstop when defense is the priority.

What separates Albies from many second basemen is how natural his card feels in a full game. He doesn't need a perfect pitch to be useful. Witt is the more aggressive choice, especially for players who like to take the extra base and put defenders under stress. Collecting 35 cards from the 2026 All-Star Collection unlocks him, so he's a proper target if shortstop is still unsettled.

Troy Tulowitzki is the 99-rated anchor at the top of the group. His Red Diamond card recalls his 2009 cycle for Colorado, but the appeal goes beyond the moment it celebrates. He has 107 contact against both pitching sides, serious power, strong defense on the left side, and 80 speed. That's a rare combination. Spending MLB The Show Stubs with a clear plan can help you reach cards like Tulowitzki, then build the rest of the infield around his dependable glove and bat.