The latest Live Series update has changed the shape of many Diamond Dynasty lineups. Four former Gold players now carry Diamond status: Elly De La Cruz, Michael Harris II, Jackson Chourio, and Jesús Luzardo. At first glance, the upgrades may look similar, but they serve very different purposes on the field. One gives you a switch-hitting shortstop with serious pace, another brings steady contact and centre-field range, while the two remaining cards offer outfield flexibility and rotation help. Before spending MLB 26 Stubs, it is worth looking at what each player actually does during a game, not just the number beside their name.

Elly De La Cruz Changes the Way You Attack

Elly De La Cruz moved from an 83 to an 85 overall rating, and the most useful changes came against left-handed pitching. His Contact vs LHP now sits at 96, while his Power vs LHP has climbed to 82. Those numbers matter because switch hitters can keep a bad matchup from becoming a forced substitution or an awkward at-bat. You can leave Elly in place and still feel comfortable when the opposing player brings in a lefty.

His speed is the other big reason people will notice the card. Elly can turn a routine single into immediate pressure, especially when the defence has a weak arm or loses focus. Shortstop also makes the upgrade more appealing, since finding a player who can hit, run, and cover ground there is not always easy. He may not be the perfect choice for every lineup, though. If your current shortstop already gives you reliable defence and strong hitting, the difference may be smaller than the overall rating suggests.

Harris II Brings Steady Value in Centre

Michael Harris II rose from 84 to 85 overall, with Contact vs RHP improving from 81 to 87. That is a useful boost for players who face right-handed starters often, and it gives him a clearer role near the top or middle of a balanced lineup. He is not built around one huge trait. Instead, Harris II helps in several areas at once.

Centre field is where his value becomes easier to feel. His range and athleticism can save extra-base hits that a slower outfielder might not reach. That matters more than a small ratings comparison on paper. You will usually notice it on hard-hit balls into the gaps, particularly when the game is close. Harris II makes the most sense when your lineup needs dependable contact without giving up defensive coverage.

Chourio Gives Your Outfield More Options

Jackson Chourio also reached an 85 overall rating after starting at 84. His Contact vs RHP rose from 69 to 76, and his Vision and Clutch ratings received improvements as well. Those upgrades do not turn him into a pure power bat, but they make his plate appearances less one-dimensional. With his speed and ability to move around the outfield, Chourio can fit into lineups that change from game to game.

That flexibility is useful when you want to match players against different pitchers or rest a starter without weakening the entire defence. Chourio can also balance a lineup that already has plenty of power. A roster filled with slow sluggers may look impressive, but it can become predictable on the bases and in the field. Chourio gives you another way to create pressure. Check whether your team actually needs that skill set before using your resources.

Final Thoughts

Jesús Luzardo made the largest overall move, rising from 84 to 87. The left-handed starter now has 79 Pitching Clutch, 65 H/9 against right-handed hitters, and 84 K/9 against left-handed hitters. That profile can make him a useful addition when your rotation lacks a reliable lefty, although your pitching style still matters. Some players prefer control and movement, while others would rather attack hitters with velocity. Luzardo should be judged by how he fits your rotation, not by his overall rating alone. The same approach applies to the three position players. Elly suits players who want speed and switch hitting, Harris II offers a steady centre-field option, and Chourio adds movement around the outfield. Keep checking future ratings before using cheap MLB Stubs, because the best upgrade is usually the one that fixes a real weakness in your roster.