With MLB The Show 26 just days away from launch, players are already looking for ways to gain an early advantage in Diamond Dynasty. One of the most exciting opportunities comes through the Now and Later program in MLB The Show 25, which allows returning players to earn exclusive items, including Carlos Beltrán player cards for both MLB The Show 25 and 26. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to unlock Carlos Beltrán, maximize your rewards, and prepare your lineup for MLB The Show 26 Stubs the new season.

What is the Now and Later Program?

The Now and Later program is designed to reward Diamond Dynasty players who engage with MLB The Show 25 before the launch of MLB The Show 26. Through a series of Moments challenges, players can complete short gameplay objectives to earn points, unlock rewards along a progressive track, and collect packs that convert directly into MLB The Show 26 content.

Here's how it works:

Each Now and Later pack in MLB The Show 25 becomes a Show Pack in MLB The Show 26.
Players can earn up to 12 additional packs by progressing through the program.
The program includes Moments challenges, which are short, achievable objectives designed to test your in-game skills while steadily advancing your rewards.

This setup ensures that both casual and dedicated players can participate, while also giving longtime Diamond Dynasty enthusiasts a head start on early-season content.

How to Earn Carlos Beltrán

The Carlos Beltrán reward is split across both MLB The Show 25 and 26, providing multiple incentives for completing the Now and Later program.

Step 1: Complete Moments Challenges

To start, you'll need to participate in the Moments challenges within MLB The Show 25. These challenges are typically short objectives, such as:

Hitting a certain number of home runs in Conquest or Ranked Seasons.
Recording specific defensive plays or pitching achievements.
Collecting a set number of player cards or packs.

Completing these challenges earns points that progress your status along the Now and Later track, bringing you closer to unlocking rewards like the Retro Finest Carlos Beltrán card.

Step 2: Unlock the Retro Finest Carlos Beltrán in MLB The Show 25

As you advance through the track, one of the highlights is the Retro Finest Carlos Beltrán card. This item serves as both a collectible and a powerful addition to your MLB The Show 25 lineup, allowing you to experience Beltrán's skills before transitioning into MLB The Show 26.

The Retro Finest card features:

High overall ratings for hitting, speed, and fielding.
Stats that make him a versatile option for multiple positions.
A retro design that celebrates Beltrán's iconic career.

Completing the program in MLB The Show 25 ensures you secure this card and positions you to earn the MLB The Show 26 version.

Step 3: Convert Packs to MLB The Show 26

Every pack you earn through Now and Later in MLB The Show 25 automatically converts into a Show Pack in MLB The Show 26. This gives players an immediate advantage when the new Diamond Dynasty season begins, letting you:

Build stronger early-season lineups.
Collect exclusive MLB The Show 26 cards before the general player base.
Prepare for upcoming events and challenges in the new game.

Players can earn up to 12 packs in total through this program, ensuring a substantial boost for their new roster.

Step 4: Claim the MLB The Show 26 Carlos Beltrán

After completing all program milestones, you'll receive a separate Carlos Beltrán player item in MLB The Show 26. This card is particularly valuable because it provides:

An early-season offensive and defensive option for your Diamond Dynasty team.
Synergy with other reward cards and player items.
The ability to immediately compete in online and event-based modes with a high-caliber player.

Returning players who complete the Now and Later program can jumpstart their MLB The Show 26 experience. For even faster progression, using MLB The Show 26 Stubs can help acquire any missing packs or cards to complete your collection.

Why the Now and Later Program Matters

The Now and Later program isn't just about collecting Carlos Beltrán - it's also a strategic way to:

Maximize early-season content: By stacking packs and completing challenges in MLB The Show 25, you enter MLB The Show 26 with a stronger foundation.
Gain exclusive items: Limited-time cards and packs are only available through this program, making them a must for collectors.
Ease into Diamond Dynasty: Completing short Moments challenges allows even casual players to participate without committing to marathon grinding sessions.

For competitive Diamond Dynasty players, the program offers a chance to secure early-season advantages that can influence the first weeks of MLB The Show 26 gameplay.

Tips for Completing the Program Efficiently

1. Plan your gameplay: Focus on challenges that align with your existing strengths in MLB The Show 25.
2. Track progress: Check your points and pack rewards regularly to ensure you're maximizing each session.
3. Prioritize high-value rewards: Make completing milestones that unlock Carlos Beltrán a priority.
4. Engage consistently: Daily or frequent play ensures you don't miss out on earned packs or the Retro Finest card.
5. Consider buying MLB The Show 26 Stubs to accelerate your progress if needed.

By following these tips, players can efficiently progress through the Now and Later program while enjoying the process of preparing for MLB The Show 26.

Final Thoughts

Earning Carlos Beltrán in MLB The Show 26 through the Now and Later program offers both returning and cheap MLB The Show Stubs new Diamond Dynasty players a unique opportunity. From completing Moments challenges in MLB The Show 25 to converting packs into MLB The Show 26 rewards, the program provides early-season advantages, collectible items, and a competitive edge.

Don't miss your chance to unlock Carlos Beltrán, strengthen your team, and kick off MLB The Show 26 Diamond Dynasty with a head start on the competition.