San Diego Studio once again gives players a way to earn rewards before the new game even launches. In MLB The Show 26, the Now and Later Packs system rewards players who were active in Diamond Dynasty during the previous title.
These packs carry over rewards from MLB The Show 25 into the new game. Players who completed specific programs or signed up for official promotions can receive free packs once MLB The Show 26 becomes available.
What Are Now And Later Packs?
Now and Later Packs are special crossover rewards that link two MLB The Show games together.
Players earn them in the previous title, but the packs are opened in the next game. This system gives returning players a small head start when building their Diamond Dynasty roster in MLB The Show 26.
The exact contents of these packs can vary, but they usually include player cards, items, or other Diamond Dynasty rewards that help early roster building.
When Do You Get Now And Later Packs in MLB The Show 26?
Players who qualified for the reward should receive their Now and Later Packs between now and March 17, which is the worldwide release date for MLB The Show 26.
Some players have already reported receiving packs early, while others say they have only received part of their rewards or none yet. This has caused some confusion in the community.
The safest assumption is that most players will see their packs on or shortly after March 17 when the game officially launches. San Diego Studio typically distributes these rewards gradually as player accounts sync with the new game.
If distribution changes or additional details are announced, the timing could be adjusted.
How To Earn Now And Later Packs
Now and Later Packs were not earned directly in MLB The Show 26. Instead, players had to unlock them earlier by playing MLB The Show 25, mainly through Diamond Dynasty activities and promotional programs.
There were two main ways players could earn these packs.
MLB The Show 26 Guide: How to Get Now and Later Packs
Playing MLB The Show 25 Diamond Dynasty
Players who spent time in Diamond Dynasty during MLB The Show 25 had opportunities to unlock Now and Later Packs through seasonal progression.
These rewards were included in:
The 11th Inning XP Path
A special Now and Later Program released during the final months of the game
By completing objectives, gaining XP, and progressing through those programs, players could unlock packs that transfer to MLB The Show 26.
Signing Up for The Scouting Report
Another way to earn free packs was by registering for The Scouting Report, the official newsletter and reward program connected to the series.
Players who signed up before November 14, 2025 qualified for up to five free Now and Later Packs.
Anyone who registered after that date can still receive future rewards and updates, but the deadline for those specific free packs has already passed.
Final Tip for MLB The Show Players
If the packs have not appeared yet, players should double-check they are using the same PlayStation, Xbox, or linked MLB The Show account used in MLB The Show 25. Rewards are tied to the account that earned them.
For most players, the packs should show up around launch day or shortly after, once account data fully syncs with MLB The Show 26.