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MLB The Show 26 Update 14 Completely Changes Home Run Derby - Full Update Breakdown

MLB The Show 26 Update 14 may not be a massive content drop, but it completely changes how Home Run Derby is played while delivering several long-requested gameplay fixes. Here's everything that changed and whether the community thinks it's enough.

Jul 13, 2026 Author: EZG

San Diego Studio released the fourteenth update for MLB The Show 26 during MLB All-Star event. This update aimed to adjust gameplay, fix issues in Diamond Dynasty mode, and improve the overall gaming experience.

While the update was small in scale, it focused on optimizing the on-field experience and aligning the game with current MLB events. The updated All-Star roster also made the virtual season more consistent with the real-world lineups. These improvements are significant for both casual and hardcore gamers.

This article will take you through the contents of MLB The Show 26 Update 14 and its impact on players.

MLB The Show 26 Update 14 Completely Changes Home Run Derby - Full Update Breakdown

Home Run Derby Overhaul

The most significant change in Update 14 is the complete overhaul of Home Run Derby, transforming it from a pure batting contest into a more strategic and timed challenge.

The new Home Run Derby has removed the timer and outs limit, adopting a swing-based system that changes the pace and strategy of the game.

The game format is as follows: 20 swings in the first round, followed by 15 swings per round. In case of a tie, the winner will be decided by distance or number of swings. A new bonus system will reward the player who hits a game-winning home run on the final hit with an extra swing, potentially increasing the drama and the possibility of a comeback.

To win, players need to hit the furthest home run. This article provides some strategies for your reference:

Swing Selection

A normal swing is more effective than a power swing for hitting a 440-foot home run. A power swing shortens the effective hitting window and results in fly balls going out, while a normal swing, if timed correctly and with the right contact point, can easily reach the desired distance without penalty.

Launch Angle

To achieve the desired distance with a normal swing, players must adjust their contact point, pressing the left stick slightly downwards under the ball to force an upward angle.

Player Selection

While players like Aaron Judge with maxed-out power attributes are tempting, his longer swing animation and larger strike zone can become a disadvantage under time pressure.

Home Run Derby update in MLB 26 favors batters with an Extreme Pull batting style, such as Shohei Ohtani or Kyle Schwarber. For these batters, a slightly earlier swing significantly increases initial ball velocity, sending the ball towards close field.

Therefore, to enhance your gameplay experience, you might need a batter with an Extreme Pull batter tendency. If you lack trade funds, you can buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs from EZG.com, which provides the fastest and safest way to acquire them.

Time Management

The unique 30-second timeout per inning can no longer be used arbitrarily. The most effective strategy is to save it for when the countdown is below 15 seconds, allowing players a breather, adjusting their pitching rhythm, and maximizing the power of their final swing.

It's worth noting that balls still in flight when the countdown reaches zero are still valid; therefore, using a pause late in the game is a strategic means to secure victory in the final moments.

Gameplay Tweaks and Mode-Specific Fixes

In addition to the major adjustments to Home Run Derby, Update 14 includes several important gameplay tweaks and bug fixes designed to improve the player experience.

A key fix addresses a frustrating PCI anchor point display issue. Players previously reported that PCI anchor point was misaligned with the anchor point in the strike zone, affecting their ability to accurately aim and throw. This update successfully fixes this display error, ensuring that the anchor point is correctly aligned during gameplay.

Pitchers using Bear Down mechanic can now consistently throw the highest speed, and perfect execution will result in more accurate pitches. This change aims to maintain fairness and skill in competitive games, especially in Ranked mode. 

In addition, this MLB The Show 26 update also includes some fixes for Diamond Dynasty mode, fixing a bug where the team logos on the leaderboard would display the default value.

Player Likeness Updates

Following MLB 26 Update 13, another batch of players has had their Likenesses updated. Here are the details:

  • Bryan Baker
  • Colson Montgomery
  • Hunter Barco
  • Mason Montgomery
  • Bryce Harper
  • Nick Pratto
  • Zack Littell
  • Javier Sanoja
  • Tim Mayza
  • AJ SmithShawver
  • Zach McCambley
  • Jose Trevino

Are any of these players you're looking forward to? If not, you can patiently wait for the next update.

Community Feedback

After the release of MLB 26 Update 14, the community had extensive discussions about the overall game experience. Many players pointed out that the transitions between animations were faster and the game was more responsive, but the physics felt less realistic, a subtle change particularly noticeable in modes like Road to the Show (RTTS). 

While this update offers some improvements, some community members are still expressing concerns about deeper issues. The game developers' tendency to fix minor problems with patches is not a sustainable solution. It is hoped that the developers will thoroughly investigate bugs and listen to player feedback.

This concludes our article on MLB 26 Update 14. For more information, follow EZG Facebook. We also have occasional giveaways to help you acquire more resources, so join us!

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Update 14 continues the regular, targeted patching pattern from earlier this season. This update rhythm reflects the game studio's philosophy of balancing game integrity and functional improvements. They prioritize game stability and competitive fairness over frequent, large-scale content releases. We can look forward to seeing how the game develops further.

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