U4GM Guide to MLB The Show 26 Relief Pitchers

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If you want a bullpen that feels different from the usual high-speed setup, start with Darren O'Day and Louie Varland. O'Day, the 96 overall Ranked 1000 card, sits at No. 1 because his low arm angle makes the ball hard to read. His 99 control and 99 break matter more than raw speed here. Varland, ranked No. 3, brings a delayed-looking release that can fool a hitter before the pitch even reaches the plate. With MLB 26 stubs available for roster upgrades, these two pitchers give you very different ways to handle the seventh, eighth, or ninth inning.

The Five Arms Worth Building Around

Ranked in a practical order, these relievers cover several styles. Chase Petty gives you velocity and a deep pitch mix. Mason Miller attacks with power. Trevor Hoffman wins through timing changes. Varland hides the ball, while O'Day relies on movement and an awkward release. That variety matters because strong opponents adjust quickly when they see the same pattern every inning.

Rank	Pitcher	Overall	Main strength
1	Darren O'Day	96	Low arm angle, control, movement
2	Trevor Hoffman	99	Large speed gaps and clutch pitching
3	Louie Varland	96	Hidden release and triple-digit fastball
4	Mason Miller	97	Elite fastball velocity
5	Chase Petty	94	Five-pitch mix and strong movement

Why the Middle Spots Still Matter

Mason Miller is the obvious choice when you need a quick strikeout. His 125 Strikeouts per 9 Innings rating and Outlier II fastball can overwhelm hitters who sit on the heater. Do not throw it every time, though. His slider and sinker become much more useful once the batter expects another four-seamer. Petty offers a slightly different look. His 99 mph sinker, 92 mph four-seam fastball, circle change, slider, and sweeper let you move around the zone instead of living on one pitch.

Hoffman's Changeup Game

Hoffman earns the No. 2 spot with control and one of the best pace changes in the group. His 95 mph fastball looks ordinary until it is followed by a 73 mph circle change or a 74 mph curveball. That gap can make a good hitter look rushed, then completely off time. His 125 pitching clutch rating is useful in close games, especially when a runner reaches and every pitch starts to feel important. He is less about overpowering contact and more about making the hitter choose the wrong speed.

Using the Bullpen in Real Games

O'Day is at his best when you mix the 88 mph sinker with the 81 mph circle change and 80 mph slider. His slurve and four-seam fastball give you extra looks, too. Varland works well when you need a clean inning against both sides of the plate, thanks to his cutter, slider, and changeup. Keep Hoffman for hitters who chase velocity, use Miller when you need immediate heat, and save Petty or Varland for flexible matchups. If you are filling the last gaps in your lineup, buy cheap MLB 26 stubs can help you add the right support pieces around this group.