
Moonshot Takeover, MLBx, and September Spotlight Drop 2 Flood Diamond Dynasty
By DiamondOps · · 22 min read
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A massive weekend drop delivers stacked free-to-grind programs, legendary collection rewards, and a Double XP boost to accelerate your seventh-inning push.
This is one of the busiest single-day content drops of the MLB The Show season. The Moonshot series explodes across virtually every game mode — programs, an event, a collection, a Diamond Quest, Mini Seasons, and packs — while the MLBx Program brings its unique legends-only format back to the forefront. Layered on top of all of that is the second drop of September Spotlight, two milestone programs honoring real-world achievements, and a new Legends and Flashbacks Collection capping off with a highly coveted switcher.
For grinders, the timing could not be better. A Double XP Weekend is live right now across all Diamond Dynasty modes, meaning every task you knock out in any of these programs earns progress at double the normal rate toward the seventh-inning XP path. A doubled home run multiplier for the Community Home Run Challenge sweetens the deal further.
The sheer volume of content means you will need to triage. The Moonshot Program is the heaviest lift but delivers the most reward cards. The MLBx Program is comparatively lean and fast. September Spotlight Drop Two is a straightforward, moderate grind with a legitimately elite top reward. Read on for a full breakdown of every program, every headline card, and every side activity worth your time.
Moonshot Program
The Moonshot Program is the centerpiece of this entire update and it demands a significant time investment — twenty Moments, fifteen XP tasks, and one collection task spread across a large total XP requirement. That said, the reward density is arguably the best of any program released this cycle. You are looking at ten free player cards across the reward path, ranging from outfield depth pieces to genuine lineup cornerstones, before you even factor in the pack rewards and the Deluxe Moonshot Pack tucked near the end.
The early rewards ease you in with outfield options, then the program's middle tier starts stacking infield legends. By the time you reach the back half, you are earning multiple Hall of Fame contact hitters who can slot into virtually any competitive lineup. The capstone reward, Gil Hodges, is the headliner — a power-contact first baseman who rounds out a Dodgers-heavy collection in style. Jackie Robinson just before him and Rod Carew in the mid-tier make this program exceptional value for anyone who plays with contact-oriented lineups.
One thing to note is the optional Extreme: Higher Gravity Moments. These are not required to complete the program, but they contribute XP and will help you reach the top rewards faster. If you are comfortable with Extreme difficulty Moments, tackle them — if not, you can skip them and still finish with enough XP from the standard tasks and Missions, especially with Double XP active. The Moonshot III Event Missions are also woven in as a bonus track, meaning playing the Event simultaneously accelerates your Program progress.
Bottom line: this is a must-do program for any serious Diamond Dynasty player. The free card count alone justifies the grind time, and Double XP this weekend makes the math even friendlier. Prioritize the standard Moments first, then supplement with Event Missions if you enjoy the Moonshot III format.
| Program XP | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Moonshot Pitcher Pack | pack |
| 10 | Dave Roberts (99 CF) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 20 | Garret Anderson (99 LF) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 30 | Adam Dunn (99 LF) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 40 | 1,000 Reward XP + Adam Jones (99 CF) | reward XP + card |
| 50 | 1,000 Reward XP + Paul Molitor (99 3B) | reward XP + card |
| 60 | 1,000 Reward XP + Rod Carew (99 2B) | reward XP + card |
| 70 | 1,000 Reward XP + Joe Torre (99 C) | reward XP + card |
| 80 | 1,000 Reward XP + Wade Boggs (99 3B) | reward XP + card |
| 85 | Moonshot | unlockable |
| 90 | 1,000 Reward XP + Jackie Robinson (99 2B) | reward XP + card |
| 95 | Deluxe Moonshot Pack | pack |
| 100 | 1,000 Reward XP + Gil Hodges (99 1B) | reward XP + card |
Cost: 100 program XP to finish · 15 missions · 20 moments · 1 collection task
All Moonshot Program rewards →
MLBx Program
The MLBx Program is a refreshing change of pace — a shorter, more focused grind built around the unique MLBx brand of three-on-three legends baseball. With only six Moments and six XP tasks, this is the fastest program in today's drop by a considerable margin, making it ideal for players who want to supplement their Moonshot grind without burning out.
Despite its brevity, the reward quality punches above its weight class. Adrian Gonzalez arrives early as a solid contact-plus-power first baseman. Ryan Howard follows as a pure left-handed power threat. Shane Victorino is a speedy center fielder who adds a different dimension. The capstone, Julio Franco, is a genuinely unusual and exciting card — a first baseman with elite left-handed contact, plus speed that is freakishly high for the position. Franco is the clear star of this program and worth completing even if you are short on time. The mid-program Ballin' is a Habit pack and Deluxe Choice Pack are nice bonuses along the way. Finish this one before the weekend ends and pocket all four cards — it will not take long.
| Program XP | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Adrian Gonzalez (99 1B) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 20 | 2x Ballin' is a Habit Pack + 1,000 Reward XP | pack + reward XP |
| 30 | Ryan Howard (99 1B) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 40 | Shane Victorino (99 CF) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
| 50 | Deluxe Choice Pack + 1,000 Reward XP | pack + reward XP |
| 60 | Julio Franco (99 1B) + 1,000 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
Cost: 60 program XP to finish · 6 missions · 6 moments
September Spotlight Drop 2
September Spotlight Drop Two continues the tradition of immortalizing hot real-world performances in card form, and this second wave keeps the quality high. The program blends eight Moments with four XP tasks and four collection tasks, landing in the medium difficulty range — doable in a single focused session, especially with Double XP running.
The early rewards are two Diamond-adjacent catcher and infielder cards that serve as solid depth options. The top reward, Adael Amador, is the real draw — a second baseman with an explosive left-handed contact rating and matching right-handed power, creating a genuinely dual-threat profile at a position that often skews toward pure contact. His clutch rating and Road Warrior quirk make him particularly interesting for players who struggle in away-stadium environments. This program is very much worth completing; the path to Amador is not punishing, and the reward is legitimately usable in competitive modes.
| Program XP | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Leonardo Bernal (97 C) | card |
| 20 | Anthony Volpe (97 2B) | card |
| 30 | 2,500 Reward XP | reward XP |
| 40 | September Spotlight Week 2 Pack | pack |
| 50 | Adael Amador (99 2B) + 2,500 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
Cost: 50 program XP to finish · 4 missions · 8 moments · 4 collection tasks
All September Spotlight Drop 2 rewards →
Pete Alonso
The Pete Alonso Milestone Program commemorates a historic real-world achievement — Alonso becoming one of the fastest players ever to reach three hundred career home runs. The program is built around five Moments and five XP tasks, making it a moderate grind that commemorates the feat with appropriate fanfare.
The reward path includes a pair of packs along the way, and the final card, Milestone Series Pete Alonso, is a pure slugger's dream. His power ratings from both sides of the plate are as high as they get in the game, making him one of the most devastating right-handed home run threats available at first base. His contact is solid rather than elite, and his speed is minimal, but nobody is picking up this card for baserunning — this is a lineup anchor for power-first lineups and a lock for your bench if your starter at first is already locked in.
| Program XP | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,500 Reward XP | reward XP |
| 100 | The Show Pack | pack |
| 150 | 2,500 Reward XP | reward XP |
| 200 | Ballin' is a Habit Pack | pack |
| 250 | 2,500 Reward XP | reward XP |
| 300 | Pete Alonso (99 1B) | card |
Cost: 300 program XP to finish · 5 missions · 5 moments
Roberto Clemente Day Program
The Roberto Clemente Day Program is a short, meaningful grind with just three Moments and one XP task standing between you and one of the most well-rounded outfield cards in this entire drop. The path is gentle, clearly designed to be accessible to all players as a tribute rather than a gating mechanism.
The Milestone Series Roberto Clemente card is genuinely excellent. Perfect contact ratings from both sides of the plate, legitimate speed, strong fielding, and a maxed-out clutch attribute make him a five-tool right fielder who belongs in any competitive lineup. He is not a power masher, but his contact ceiling is elite and his situational hitting attributes — including a massive quirk list covering both fastballs and breaking balls — give him a high floor against all pitch types. This program takes minimal time and delivers a top-tier card. Complete it.
| Program XP | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2,100 Reward XP | reward XP |
| 10 | Deluxe Pack + 2,100 Reward XP | pack + reward XP |
| 21 | Roberto Clemente (99 RF) + 2,100 Reward XP | card + reward XP |
Cost: 21 program XP to finish · 1 mission · 3 moments
All Roberto Clemente Day Program rewards →
Moonshot Collection
The Moonshot Collection is the overarching rewards structure tying the entire Moonshot series together. Rather than a traditional program grind, it asks you to acquire Moonshot Series player cards through any means — programs, packs, the event — and rewards you at two milestones. The first milestone delivers Craig Biggio, a versatile and historic second baseman. The second and final milestone rewards Mickey Mantle, one of the most celebrated Yankees of all time in center field. Players who are already grinding the Moonshot Program and Event will accumulate cards toward this collection naturally, so treat it as a bonus reward layer on top of everything else rather than a separate commitment.
Rewards: Craig Biggio at "23" collected and Mickey Mantle at "36" collected
Source: the official post.
Moonshot III Event Program
The Moonshot III Event is a specialized competitive mode where you build your lineup using any batters but are restricted to Bronze Common pitchers on the mound — a format that levels the pitching playing field and puts the focus entirely on offensive matchups. The Event Program that runs alongside it converts your wins and Event Missions into a separate XP track with its own rewards, including Curtis Granderson and Bobby Grich, both Moonshot Series outfield and infield options respectively. This mode is ideal for players who enjoy offensive-focused competitive baseball without worrying about pitching rotations. The Event Missions also feed directly into the main Moonshot Program, making this a particularly efficient double-dipping opportunity.
Rewards: XP, packs, and featured Moonshot Series Curtis Granderson and Bobby Grich
Source: the official post.
All Moonshot III Event Program rewards →
Moonshot Diamond Quest
The Moonshot Diamond Quest is a solo adventure mode that sends you through a series of Moments against Moonshot Series players, Showdowns against Moonshot Series pitchers, Stadium Challenges, and a Zone Sweeper finale. It is a self-contained single-player experience that rewards completion with three Deluxe Moonshot Packs and additional prizes. This mode suits players who prefer solo content over competitive head-to-head play and who want pack rewards without spending Stubs. The varied challenge types keep the format fresh, and the Deluxe pack guarantee is meaningful for anyone still chasing specific Moonshot Series cards for the collection.
Rewards: Three Deluxe Moonshot Packs and more rewards
Source: the official post.
Moonshot Mini Seasons Challenge
The Moonshot Mini Seasons Challenge drops you into CPU-controlled seasons of either three- or nine-inning games across seven- or twenty-eight game season lengths. It is the most casual-friendly activity in the entire Moonshot content wave, requiring no competitive matchmaking and no specific lineup restrictions beyond the standard rules. Rewards include XP, Stubs, and two Deluxe Moonshot Packs. For players who prefer to grind at their own pace against the computer — or who need a lower-stress way to earn pack rewards — this is a great option to run alongside the main program grind during the Double XP weekend.
Rewards: XP, Stubs, and packs including "two" Deluxe Moonshot Packs
Source: the official post.
Legends and Flashbacks Collection
The Legends and Flashbacks Collection is a collectibles-based challenge that asks you to gather a set number of specified series vouchers and player rewards from prior collections. Completing it unlocks MLBx Series Ben Zobrist, a second baseman from the Cubs World Series championship era. Zobrist is historically valued for his elite switch-hitting and positional versatility, making him a desirable card for lineup builders who need flexibility. This collection suits players who have been active throughout the season and have accumulated previous collection rewards and vouchers — newer players may find the material requirements more challenging to source.
Rewards: MLBx Series Ben Zobrist by collecting "30" specified series vouchers and previous collections' player rewards
Source: the official post.
Chase Pack 27
Chase Pack twenty-seven features Moonshot Series Chone Figgins, a third baseman from the Angels with a speed-based profile that fits squarely in the Moonshot theme. Every Chase Pack guarantees at least one Diamond player card, with a chance — not a guarantee — at pulling Figgins specifically. You can earn a Chase Pack through the seventh-inning XP Reward Path wheel, receive one bundled with a large Show Pack purchase, or find one by chance inside individual The Show Packs. For players already spinning the XP wheel, this is a welcome free shot at a featured Diamond. Chasing it through pack purchases is a gamble, as the Figgins pull is not assured.
Featured player: Moonshot Series Chone Figgins
Rewards: Guarantees one Diamond player with a chance to pull featured player
Where to find it: Earn through "7th" Inning XP Reward Path Wheel, receive with "50"-Pack Bundle purchase, or find by chance in individual packs
Source: the official post.
New cards
| Card | OVR | Series | Position | Key attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Roberts | 99 | Moonshot | CF | Contact R/L 101/100 · Power R/L 100/100 · Speed 99 |
| Garret Anderson | 99 | Moonshot | LF | Contact R/L 114/112 · Power R/L 102/100 · Speed 66 |
| Adam Dunn | 99 | Moonshot | LF | Contact R/L 111/100 · Power R/L 125/120 · Speed 52 |
| Adam Jones | 99 | Moonshot | CF | Contact R/L 108/102 · Power R/L 103/100 · Speed 80 |
| Paul Molitor | 99 | Moonshot | 3B | Contact R/L 110/114 · Power R/L 100/102 · Speed 85 |
| Rod Carew | 99 | Moonshot | 2B | Contact R/L 125/122 · Power R/L 100/100 · Speed 90 |
| Joe Torre | 99 | Moonshot | C | Contact R/L 116/120 · Power R/L 101/100 · Speed 55 |
| Wade Boggs | 99 | Moonshot | 3B | Contact R/L 123/117 · Power R/L 100/100 · Speed 52 |
| Jackie Robinson | 99 | Moonshot | 2B | Contact R/L 113/114 · Power R/L 103/101 · Speed 91 |
| Gil Hodges | 99 | Moonshot | 1B | Contact R/L 101/111 · Power R/L 115/108 · Speed 66 |
| Adrian Gonzalez | 99 | MLBx | 1B | Contact R/L 117/104 · Power R/L 104/94 · Speed 53 |
| Ryan Howard | 99 | MLBx | 1B | Contact R/L 108/94 · Power R/L 125/106 · Speed 52 |
| Shane Victorino | 99 | MLBx | CF | Contact R/L 102/111 · Power R/L 93/100 · Speed 88 |
| Julio Franco | 99 | MLBx | 1B | Contact R/L 115/125 · Power R/L 80/88 · Speed 88 |
| Leonardo Bernal | 97 | Topps Now | C | Contact R/L 100/95 · Power R/L 91/80 · Speed 35 |
| Anthony Volpe | 97 | Topps Now | 2B | Contact R/L 101/94 · Power R/L 90/93 · Speed 85 |
| Adael Amador | 99 | Spotlight | 2B | Contact R/L 100/125 · Power R/L 125/88 · Speed 65 |
| Pete Alonso | 99 | Milestone | 1B | Contact R/L 105/93 · Power R/L 125/125 · Speed 40 |
| Roberto Clemente | 99 | Milestone | RF | Contact R/L 125/125 · Power R/L 90/80 · Speed 80 |
Gil Hodges


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 112.2 · Hall of Fame 109.1 · Legend 107.7
Quirks: Homebody, Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, Fighter, Situational Hitter, Day Player, Table Setter
Gil Hodges arrives as the Moonshot Program's capstone reward and he earns that top billing. His left-handed contact is notably higher than his right-handed mark, making him a particularly dangerous bat against righties, while his power numbers are well-balanced from both sides — enough to threaten gaps and over the fence. His vision and discipline ratings are surprisingly respectable for a power-oriented first baseman, and his quirk set is genuinely deep: Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, Situational Hitter, Table Setter, and Fighter give him broad coverage in all sorts of at-bat scenarios. The Day Player quirk is a niche bonus for those who run daytime stadium settings.
His OpScore is strongest at the All-Star difficulty tier, which makes sense — at lower competitive settings his well-rounded profile shines brightest. He is not the flashiest first baseman in the game at first glance, but the quirk depth and solid all-around attributes make him a dependable lineup piece worth the program grind.
Julio Franco


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 100.1 · Hall of Fame 111.4 · Legend 113.6
Quirks: Homebody, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Situational Hitter, Pinch Hitter, Night Player
Julio Franco is an anomaly in the best possible way. Slotted as a first baseman but boasting speed that belongs on a center fielder, he breaks every expectation you have for the position. His left-handed contact is maxed out, his right-handed contact is still excellent, and his clutch rating is sky-high — he is exactly the kind of hitter you want at the plate with the game on the line. Power is the one area where he gives ground compared to the typical first base profile, sitting in the mid-to-high range rather than elite, but his Night Player quirk, First-Pitch Hitter tendency, and Situational Hitter designation make him a nightmare to pitch around in pressure situations.
His OpScore peaks at the Legend difficulty tier, which tells you this card was built for the highest level of competitive play. His speed opens up lineup construction options that most first basemen cannot offer. He is the clear standout reward in the MLBx Program and one of the more creative card designs in this entire drop.
Adael Amador


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 102.4 · Hall of Fame 103.3 · Legend 102.7
Quirks: Road Warrior, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Rally Monkey, Situational Hitter, Night Player
Adael Amador's Spotlight card presents an interesting offensive profile that splits dramatically between his two contact ratings. From the left side he is elite, while his right-handed contact sits at a respectable but not exceptional level. The real headline is his right-handed power, which is maxed out — creating a platoon-friendly profile where he punishes right-handed pitching with contact and left-handed pitching with power. His clutch attribute is very high, and his Road Warrior quirk addresses one of the most common lineup-building pain points in competitive modes.
His OpScore is remarkably consistent across all three difficulty tiers, suggesting he performs well without being overwhelmingly dominant at any single level. The Situational Hitter and Night Player quirks add further depth. He is not a perfect card — his discipline is on the lower end and his speed is average for a second baseman — but as a free program reward he is a legitimate two-way threat who earns a roster spot.
Pete Alonso


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 114.7 · Hall of Fame 104.5 · Legend 99
Quirks: Homebody, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Unfazed, Rally Monkey, Day Player
Pete Alonso's Milestone card is a monument to raw power. Both power ratings are at the absolute ceiling, and his discipline is solid enough to work counts and find his pitch. Contact is above average from the right side without being exceptional, and speed is minimal — this card does one thing and does it at an elite level. His quirk set reinforces the identity: First-Pitch Hitter, Unfazed, Rally Monkey, and Dead Red all describe a free-swinging power hitter who thrives in big moments.
His OpScore is by far its highest at the All-Star difficulty level, dropping off meaningfully as you move into higher difficulty tiers. That makes him a fantastic option for casual and mid-tier competitive play but potentially less dominant at the top end. If you play primarily at lower difficulty settings or in modes where the All-Star rating is most relevant, Alonso is an absolute monster. Even at higher tiers, maxed power from both sides is never a liability.
Roberto Clemente


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 101 · Hall of Fame 108.6 · Legend 109.5
Quirks: Homebody, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Breaking Ball Hitter, Unfazed, Rally Monkey, Situational Hitter, Day Player, Table Setter
Roberto Clemente's Milestone card might be the most well-rounded reward in this entire content wave. Maxed contact from both sides, legitimate speed, strong fielding, and an off-the-charts clutch rating combine to create a complete outfielder who contributes in every facet of the game. His power is gap-to-gap rather than over-the-fence, but his enormous quirk list — covering fastballs, breaking balls, situational hitting, unfazed moments, and day game performance — makes him one of the most situationally versatile cards available.
His OpScore scales upward as difficulty increases, reaching its peak at the Legend tier. That trajectory is the hallmark of a card designed for elite competitive play. The low discipline rating is the one weakness opponents can exploit — pitchers who work him off the plate may find some success — but with contact ratings that high, even bad-ball contact tends to be dangerous. This card earns a spot in virtually any outfield configuration.
Anthony Volpe


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 98 · Hall of Fame 100.5 · Legend 100.6
Quirks: Homebody, Dead Red, Rally Monkey, Bad Ball Hitter, Situational Hitter, Night Player
Anthony Volpe comes in as a Topps Now second baseman sitting just below the top overall tier, but his all-around profile makes him genuinely useful. His contact is solid from the right side, speed is strong for the position, and his fielding is excellent — making him a legitimate two-way contributor rather than just a bat. Rally Monkey, Bad Ball Hitter, and Situational Hitter give him a nice quirk combination for clutch situations, and Night Player is a useful tag for evening game schedules.
His OpScore floats right around the baseline at higher difficulty levels, meaning he is a reliable contributor without being a dominant force. For players who need a speedy, glove-first second baseman who can put the ball in play and run the bases, Volpe fits that role well. He is a depth piece more than a star, but a well-constructed one.
Leonardo Bernal


DiamondOps rating (OpScore): All-Star 105.6 · Hall of Fame 110.7 · Legend 110.9
Quirks: Homebody, First-Pitch Hitter, Dead Red, Fighter, Situational Hitter, Night Player
Leonardo Bernal is the kind of catcher card that sneaks up on you. His overall is just below the top tier, but his clutch rating is maxed out — making him one of the most reliable big-moment catchers available at his price point. Contact from both sides is solid, power is moderate, and his quirk set emphasizes situational awareness: Fighter, Situational Hitter, First-Pitch Hitter, and Night Player all point to a hitter who raises his game when the stakes are highest.
His OpScore is notably strong at the Hall of Fame and Legend difficulty tiers, outperforming his overall rating considerably — a strong signal that his attributes are well-distributed for high-difficulty competitive play. Speed is negligible as expected for the position, so do not ask him to do anything on the basepaths. As a defensive backstop with elite clutch production, he is one of the more interesting catcher options to emerge from this Spotlight drop.
Other news
Double XP Weekend and Community Home Run Challenge Boost
A Double XP Weekend is live now across all Diamond Dynasty modes, accelerating progress toward any remaining seventh-inning XP path rewards. Simultaneously, the Community Home Run Challenge is running with a doubled home run multiplier, pushing players faster toward the Tier Three community rewards. Both bonuses run concurrently this weekend, making it the most efficient time to grind any program or mode.
Deluxe, Premier, and Ultra Moonshot Packs in the Show Shop
Three tiers of Moonshot packs are available for direct purchase in the Show Shop. The Deluxe guarantees one Red Diamond Moonshot card, the Premier guarantees three, and the Ultra guarantees five from a large pool of all-ninety-nine-overall legends including names like Cal Ripken Jr., Willie McCovey, Scott Rolen, Al Kaline, and more. These packs suit players who want specific Moonshot Series cards for the collection without grinding for them individually.
Roberto Clemente Foundation Charity Pack
A charity pack supporting the Roberto Clemente Foundation is available for purchase through September twenty-ninth. The pack includes in-game cosmetic items and Stubs, and PlayStation is donating the full proceeds — a minimum of three dollars and forty-nine cents per pack sold in the United States — directly to the foundation. This is a real-world charitable contribution opportunity attached to an in-game purchase.
📰 Read the full article on The Show for complete details.