If you want to get the most XP in MLB The Show 26 during April Spotlight Drop 5, the key is efficiency. Focus on stacking program missions with offline modes like Play vs. CPU or Conquest, especially on Rookie difficulty. Here’s how to grind smarter, not harder.
1. Complete the Program Path Fast
The April Spotlight Drop 5 program offers a total of 25,000 XP. To finish quickly:
Moments First

• Complete all 8 Moments early. This instantly earns 32 program points, giving you a head start.
  

Parallel XP (PXP) Missions

• Earn 10,000 PXP with any players—this comes naturally as you play games.
  
• Earn 2,500 PXP specifically with Spotlight or Topps Now players to complete targeted missions efficiently.
  

Stat Grinds

• Focus on overlapping missions in a single game for maximum efficiency:
  • 20 Hits with primary position Infielders
    
  • 30 Total Bases with primary position Outfielders
    
  • 15 Innings Pitched with any pitcher and Strikeouts with Relievers
    

Stacking multiple missions in one session saves time and XP.
2. Efficient Gameplay Strategies
Stack Your Lineup

• Add reward Spotlight players like Ben Rice (93 OVR) or Shea Langeliers (92 OVR) as soon as you unlock them. This helps double up on PXP and specific stat missions.
  

Play vs. CPU on Rookie

• This mode is the fastest for XP. Stats like Hits, Home Runs, and Strikeouts accumulate quickly.
  
• Use custom stadiums with short fences, like Costco Park, to maximize Home Runs and Total Bases.
  

Mini Seasons

• Winning a Mini Seasons championship gives roughly 28,000–30,000 gameplay XP in about 5 hours.
  
• During Double XP events, this can scale even higher.
  

3. Collections & Multi-Program Synergy
April Lightning Collection

• Finish the XP reward paths for all five April Spotlight Drops to unlock Elly De La Cruz (95 OVR) for free.
  

Cornerstone Program

• Work on Carlos Correa (91 OVR) at the same time. This program offers an extra 20,000 XP through similar mission and game grinds.
  

April Showcase Event

• Use your Spotlight and Topps Now players to earn wins and progress toward Carlos Cortes (92 OVR). This nets additional packs and XP.
  

Pro Tips

• Rotate pitchers to complete Strikeout and Innings missions faster.
  
• Plan your lineup so players hit overlapping mission requirements.
  
• Prioritize offline grinding first; it’s safer and faster than online modes with lag or desync.
  

By stacking missions, targeting high-yield XP, and syncing programs, you’ll complete April Spotlight Drop 5 efficiently and maximize your XP gains for April rewards.