The Cubs vs. Padres Program is a quick postseason grind for Diamond Dynasty players who want a few strong cards without committing to a huge reward path. Released on October 1, 2026, the program focuses on the 2026 NL Wild Card matchup between Chicago and San Diego. You can finish everything through Moments and Missions, making it a useful offline activity while also giving you more ways to spend your MLB Stubs (https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-26/stubs) on roster upgrades if needed.
Cubs vs. Padres Program Rewards
The program has a 25-point reward path, with major rewards appearing every five points. The biggest prizes are three 99 OVR Postseason cards.
Here is the complete path:
• 5 Points: 99 OVR Postseason Joe Musgrove + 1,000 XP
• 10 Points: Ballin' is a Habit Pack + 1,000 XP
• 15 Points: 99 OVR Postseason Nico Hoerner + 1,000 XP
• 20 Points: Deluxe Pack + 1,000 XP
• 25 Points: 99 OVR Postseason Gavin Sheets + 2,026 XP
That adds up to 6,026 XP, two packs, and three 99 OVR players. Musgrove is the unusual one here because this Postseason version is listed as a relief pitcher, so check your bullpen before assuming he is another starting option.
Complete the Five Moments First
The fastest way to get started is to knock out the five Cubs vs. Padres Moments. Each Moment awards 2 program points, so finishing all five gives you 10 points immediately.
These challenges are worth doing first for these reasons:
• They are short compared with grinding PXP.
• You can reach the first two reward checkpoints quickly.
• The first 10 points give you Musgrove and a Ballin' is a Habit Pack.
• They let you see which players and situations appear in the program before building a mission lineup.
Once the Moments are finished, you only need 15 more points. At that stage, consider whether you need specific cards before deciding to buy MLB Stubs for additional roster pieces.
How to Finish the Four Missions
The remaining 15 points come from four Missions. They are simple, but building your lineup around them will save quite a bit of time.
1. Cubs Hits – 3 Points
Record 6 hits with Cubs players. Use Chicago hitters in your lineup and play on a difficulty where you can consistently make solid contact.
2. Padres Strikeouts – 3 Points
Record 12 strikeouts with Padres players. A full Padres pitching staff makes this much easier, especially if you are comfortable using their pitchers.
3. Cubs/Padres PXP – 4 Points
Earn 2,026 Parallel XP with Cubs and/or Padres players. You can work on this while completing the hit and strikeout missions, so there is no reason to grind it separately.
4. 2026 Postseason PXP – 5 Points
Earn 2,026 Parallel XP with 2026 Postseason Series players. This is the biggest mission, but it overlaps nicely with the other objectives. Add eligible Postseason cards to your lineup whenever possible.
Best Way to Grind the Program
Start with the five Moments, then switch to a mission-focused lineup. Put Cubs hitters in the batting order, use Padres pitchers, and fill the remaining spots with 2026 Postseason players.
The key is to avoid completing one objective at a time. You can earn hits, strikeouts, team PXP, and Postseason PXP during the same games. This makes the 25-point path much less tedious.
If your collection is missing several usable cards, look for cheap MLB Stubs (https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-26/stubs) only when they actually help complete your lineup or improve your long-term roster.
Are the Rewards Worth It?
For a short program, the Cubs vs. Padres path has a solid return. Three 99 OVR Postseason cards are the main attraction, while the XP and packs add extra value for players still working through Diamond Dynasty progression.
Musgrove can strengthen a bullpen, Hoerner gives you another second-base option, and Sheets provides a high-rated first baseman. Even if none becomes a permanent starter, the cards can still be useful for future Postseason-related missions and collections.
The program is also completely manageable without competitive online play, which makes it a good choice when you want steady progress without worrying about Event or Ranked games.
Final Tips
Don't overcomplicate this one. Finish the Moments first, build around Cubs and Padres players, and use as many 2026 Postseason cards as possible while grinding PXP. Check your collection before spending resources, especially if you're considering MLB Stubs for sale.
With only 25 points required, the Cubs vs. Padres Program is one of the easier ways to add postseason content to your Diamond Dynasty squad. Knock out the objectives efficiently, collect the three 99 OVR rewards, and move on to the next October program.