If you want to earn XP and unlock rewards fast in MLB The Show 26, the Home Run Derby (HRD) is one of the best ways to do it. This offline mode lets you focus purely on hitting home runs, giving you big XP gains without playing a full nine-inning game.
Every home run you hit in HRD gives a fixed amount of XP—usually around 25 XP per homer. With 8 participants and about 25–30 home runs per batter, you can earn roughly 30,000 XP per hour if you keep up the pace. Here’s how to maximize your gains:
During All-Star Week, HRD becomes a hotspot for special cards and packs:
New HRD cards and packs often appear through Conquest maps, Inning Programs, and Flash Sales. If you’re after specific stars, like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Pete Alonso, checking these new drops is often cheaper and faster than buying on the marketplace.
Pro Tip: Combine HRD XP farming with short Mini Seasons or Conquest missions to stack rewards and level up even faster. With the right setup, Home Run Derby can become your ultimate offline XP machine.
The Home Run Derby XP Farm Method
Every home run you hit in HRD gives a fixed amount of XP—usually around 25 XP per homer. With 8 participants and about 25–30 home runs per batter, you can earn roughly 30,000 XP per hour if you keep up the pace. Here’s how to maximize your gains:
- Set Up the Derby – From the main menu, choose Home Run Derby mode.
- Pick Your Sluggers – Select 8 players with high power ratings. Stars like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani can crank out home runs faster.
- Choose a High-Elevation Stadium – Custom parks or stadiums like Coors Field or any “max elevation” stadium make it easier to hit the ball over the fence.
- Stack Program Stars – XP is tracked in 2,000-point increments for programs. The more home runs you hit, the faster you can rank up and unlock program rewards.
All-Star Week & Prediction Rewards
During All-Star Week, HRD becomes a hotspot for special cards and packs:
- Prediction Packs – Grab a free pack from the Show Shop before All-Star Week. Use “Winning Vouchers” based on real-life HRD results to earn Deluxe or Rare Choice Packs.
- HRD Program – Complete limited-time Derby missions and collections (like the 2025/2026 HRD Collection) for Choice Packs featuring Derby participants with boosted stats.
- Moonshot Pursuit – Keep an eye on Celebration Series events. High-scoring HRD gameplay can unlock additional rewards here.
Watch for Special Events
New HRD cards and packs often appear through Conquest maps, Inning Programs, and Flash Sales. If you’re after specific stars, like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Pete Alonso, checking these new drops is often cheaper and faster than buying on the marketplace.
Pro Tip: Combine HRD XP farming with short Mini Seasons or Conquest missions to stack rewards and level up even faster. With the right setup, Home Run Derby can become your ultimate offline XP machine.