Top 10 Trading Mistakes to Avoid in MLB The Show 26

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1. Waiting Until the Trade Deadline

In past games, last-minute deals could work. Not anymore. Trades now take several in-game days to process. Submitting an offer on July 31st usually means it won’t go through in time. Start negotiations early to actually land your targets.

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2. Ignoring "Untouchable" Tags

Teams now mark their key stars as Untouchable. Trying to trade for these players is often a waste of time, no matter what you offer. Focus your energy on realistic targets.

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3. Not Protecting Your Own Core

Failing to mark your own stars as Untouchable can be disastrous. Without protection, the AI might accidentally include them in trades, or you could face constant lowball offers. Lock in your foundation before shopping for talent.

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4. Overlooking Small-Market "Salary Dumps"

Big-name trades aren’t always the best value. Small-market teams often prioritize salary relief. Absorb a high-salary player from one of these teams, and you might get elite talent for fewer prospects.

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5. Using Only One Trade Slot

You can now have four active trade slots. Waiting on a single offer is a common mistake. Submit multiple offers for the same positional need across different teams and take the best deal that bites first.

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6. Misreading the "Fog of War"

The Rumor Board now includes a Fog of War. Not every rumor is true. Relying solely on these hints can make you chase unavailable players. Always check team needs and standings before committing.

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7. Trading for a Star While Sacrificing Depth

It’s tempting to trade multiple top prospects for a single 90+ OVR player. The risk? A thin, injury-prone roster. Build a balanced team first, then upgrade your stars.

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8. Neglecting Secondary Positions

Versatility is more valuable than ever. Utility players who cover multiple positions now have higher trade value and give your lineup flexibility. Don’t underestimate their importance.

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9. Failing to Monitor "Market Sentiment"

Trade values fluctuate with league supply and demand. If multiple quality shortstops hit the market, the value of all shortstops drops. Selling during a surplus can cost you high returns.

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10. Forgetting the "Buy Now" Tax in Diamond Dynasty

Even in Diamond Dynasty, trading has pitfalls. The 10% "Buy Now" tax can drain your stubs fast if you flip cards or ignore Buy Orders. Factor this in when trading to avoid losing thousands of stubs unnecessarily.

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Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll trade smarter, keep your core intact, and build a stronger, more flexible roster. In MLB The Show 26, preparation beats impulse every time.