MLB The Show 26 Draft Program: Hacopian Review | U4GM

Andrew736

Second base has become a real talking point in Diamond Dynasty, and Chris Hacopian is giving players a strong reason to rethink that spot. His 97 Overall 2026 Draft Series card arrives as a free reward from the MLB Draft Program, which makes the conversation even more interesting for budget-minded squads. If you are building around a right-handed lineup and want to spend your MLB 26 stubs carefully, Hacopian offers useful production without forcing a major roster sacrifice.

A Bat That Plays Above the Numbers

The first thing you notice is the swing. It is quick, clean and easy to time, especially when an opponent leans on high-speed pitches. Hacopian carries 108 Contact versus right-handed pitchers and 114 against lefties. His power sits at 96 against righties and reaches 102 against lefties. That spread matters. He is not limited to favourable matchups.

His 108 Vision gives you a little more room for error, while 114 Clutch keeps him dangerous when runners are aboard. One in-game sample tells the story: across 61 at-bats, he produced a.393 average, 24 hits and 12 home runs. Those numbers will vary from player to player, of course, but the card clearly has the tools to turn solid contact into extra-base damage.

Where the Card Fits Best

Hacopian also comes with seven active player quirks, including Dead Red. That trait makes him particularly useful against fastballs, which are often the first choice when a pitcher falls behind in the count.

Category	Rating	What it means in play
Contact vs righties	108	Reliable at-bats against right-handed pitching
Contact vs lefties	114	Strong matchup advantage
Power vs righties	96	Home-run threat across the lineup
Power vs lefties	102	Extra damage in favourable counts
Fielding	79	Steady work around second base

What to Expect in the Field

Defensively, he is dependable rather than spectacular. The 79 Fielding and 70 Reaction ratings are good enough for routine grounders and quick turns at second. His 47 Arm Strength is modest, so you will want to make sensible throws instead of forcing difficult plays. Arm Accuracy sits at 74, which helps keep ordinary double-play attempts under control.

Use him near the top or middle of a right-handed lineup.
Look for fastballs when Dead Red is active.
Keep his range in mind when setting defensive expectations.

Why He Deserves a Look

The 61 Speed is serviceable, but the 10 Stealing rating tells you what he is not: a dedicated base-running weapon. He can still take an extra base on a gap shot, and that is enough for many lineups. What matters more is the balance. You get a smooth swing, strong contact, useful power and credible middle-infield defence in one free card. For players seeking dependable production while saving room for cheap MLB 26 stubs elsewhere, Hacopian is a smart second-base option.