10-26-2026, 05:44 AM
Smokey Joe Williams is one of the standout rewards in MLB The Show 26 Diamond Dynasty's latest 9th Inning XP Path. His 99 OVR Negro Leagues Series card arrived on October 23, giving players a powerful starting pitcher with a deep stamina pool, a four-pitch arsenal, and better hitting attributes than you might expect. Comparing player values and managing your MLB Stubs budget can also help you build a stronger team without wasting resources.
How to Unlock Smokey Joe Williams
Williams is an early reward in the 9th Inning XP Path, making him a realistic target for players who have not completed the entire program.
Here is where the key rewards appear:
• 47,500 XP: 99 OVR Smokey Joe Williams
• 160,000 XP: 99 OVR Willie Wells
• 275,000 XP: Boss Choice Pack featuring Ted Williams and Chipper Jones
You can earn XP by playing your preferred modes and progressing through the reward path. Williams is a standalone reward, so unlocking him does not force you to give up your eventual Boss Choice Pack selection.
If you want to add him quickly, focus on available missions and gameplay activities that award XP. Alternatively, check the Marketplace for his current listing. Players considering whether to buy MLB Stubs should compare the cost of an immediate roster upgrade with the time needed to earn the card through normal progression.
Smokey Joe Williams Pitching Stats
Williams has the stamina and control to handle a substantial workload, while his split attributes help him compete against hitters on either side of the plate.
His key pitching ratings include:
• Stamina: 125
• Control: 90
• Pitching Clutch: 102
• H/9 vs. Right: 101
• H/9 vs. Left: 105
• K/9 vs. Right: 98
• K/9 vs. Left: 95
These ratings give Williams a balanced profile rather than making him dependent on one favorable matchup. His high stamina is particularly useful for players who prefer keeping their starting pitchers in games longer, although pitch efficiency and your opponent's hitting approach will still determine how deep he can go.
Best Way to Use His Four-Pitch Arsenal
Williams throws a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup, and sinker. Their listed velocities are approximately 99, 84, 81, and 95 mph, respectively.
For better results on the mound, try this approach:
• Four-seam fastball: Use it to establish velocity and challenge hitters when the count favors you.
• Changeup: Mix it in after faster pitches to disrupt timing.
• Slider: Change the hitter's expected movement and speed rather than relying on fastballs alone.
• Sinker: Give opponents another hard pitch to read, especially when varying your locations.
Avoid following the same sequence every at-bat. Experienced opponents will recognize predictable patterns, so change your pitch selection based on the count and how your opponent reacts. If you are looking for cheap MLB Stubs to support your wider Diamond Dynasty plans, remember that effective pitching strategy matters just as much as adding highly rated players.
Williams Can Contribute at the Plate
Williams is not just a rotation upgrade. His 99 OVR card also has respectable offensive numbers for a pitcher, including 106 contact against right-handed pitching, 110 against left-handers, 82 and 87 power, 99 vision, and 112 batting clutch.
These attributes give him some potential to contribute when he comes to the plate. Still, his primary value remains on the mound, so focus on his pitching strengths when deciding whether he deserves a place in your rotation.
Check the Card Rating Before Buying
MLB The Show 26 also includes an earlier 88 OVR Smokey Joe Williams card. Make sure you check the overall rating and attributes before purchasing anything from the Marketplace, as the two versions have different ratings and gameplay value.
For players comparing MLB Stubs for sale options or planning their next roster move, verifying the exact card is an important step.
Is Smokey Joe Williams Worth Unlocking?
Absolutely, if your rotation needs a reliable starter. His 125 stamina, balanced pitching splits, and varied arsenal make him an appealing reward that arrives well before the later milestones in the 9th Inning XP Path.
Start by earning the 47,500 XP needed to unlock Williams, then test his pitch mix in Diamond Dynasty games. You can continue working toward Willie Wells and the Boss Choice Pack afterward, building your roster one milestone at a time.
How to Unlock Smokey Joe Williams
Williams is an early reward in the 9th Inning XP Path, making him a realistic target for players who have not completed the entire program.
Here is where the key rewards appear:
• 47,500 XP: 99 OVR Smokey Joe Williams
• 160,000 XP: 99 OVR Willie Wells
• 275,000 XP: Boss Choice Pack featuring Ted Williams and Chipper Jones
You can earn XP by playing your preferred modes and progressing through the reward path. Williams is a standalone reward, so unlocking him does not force you to give up your eventual Boss Choice Pack selection.
If you want to add him quickly, focus on available missions and gameplay activities that award XP. Alternatively, check the Marketplace for his current listing. Players considering whether to buy MLB Stubs should compare the cost of an immediate roster upgrade with the time needed to earn the card through normal progression.
Smokey Joe Williams Pitching Stats
Williams has the stamina and control to handle a substantial workload, while his split attributes help him compete against hitters on either side of the plate.
His key pitching ratings include:
• Stamina: 125
• Control: 90
• Pitching Clutch: 102
• H/9 vs. Right: 101
• H/9 vs. Left: 105
• K/9 vs. Right: 98
• K/9 vs. Left: 95
These ratings give Williams a balanced profile rather than making him dependent on one favorable matchup. His high stamina is particularly useful for players who prefer keeping their starting pitchers in games longer, although pitch efficiency and your opponent's hitting approach will still determine how deep he can go.
Best Way to Use His Four-Pitch Arsenal
Williams throws a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup, and sinker. Their listed velocities are approximately 99, 84, 81, and 95 mph, respectively.
For better results on the mound, try this approach:
• Four-seam fastball: Use it to establish velocity and challenge hitters when the count favors you.
• Changeup: Mix it in after faster pitches to disrupt timing.
• Slider: Change the hitter's expected movement and speed rather than relying on fastballs alone.
• Sinker: Give opponents another hard pitch to read, especially when varying your locations.
Avoid following the same sequence every at-bat. Experienced opponents will recognize predictable patterns, so change your pitch selection based on the count and how your opponent reacts. If you are looking for cheap MLB Stubs to support your wider Diamond Dynasty plans, remember that effective pitching strategy matters just as much as adding highly rated players.
Williams Can Contribute at the Plate
Williams is not just a rotation upgrade. His 99 OVR card also has respectable offensive numbers for a pitcher, including 106 contact against right-handed pitching, 110 against left-handers, 82 and 87 power, 99 vision, and 112 batting clutch.
These attributes give him some potential to contribute when he comes to the plate. Still, his primary value remains on the mound, so focus on his pitching strengths when deciding whether he deserves a place in your rotation.
Check the Card Rating Before Buying
MLB The Show 26 also includes an earlier 88 OVR Smokey Joe Williams card. Make sure you check the overall rating and attributes before purchasing anything from the Marketplace, as the two versions have different ratings and gameplay value.
For players comparing MLB Stubs for sale options or planning their next roster move, verifying the exact card is an important step.
Is Smokey Joe Williams Worth Unlocking?
Absolutely, if your rotation needs a reliable starter. His 125 stamina, balanced pitching splits, and varied arsenal make him an appealing reward that arrives well before the later milestones in the 9th Inning XP Path.
Start by earning the 47,500 XP needed to unlock Williams, then test his pitch mix in Diamond Dynasty games. You can continue working toward Willie Wells and the Boss Choice Pack afterward, building your roster one milestone at a time.