If MLB The Show 26 keeps freezing or crashing on your console, you’re not alone. Many players experience hiccups in Diamond Dynasty, Moments, and Franchise modes. The good news: there are proven workarounds and system tweaks you can apply to keep your game running smoothly.
1. Optimize Game & Roster Settings
Generate Best Lineup
- Freeze in the Squad Builder often happens when your roster data gets bugged. Open the squad screen, press Options/Menu, and force-reset your lineup. This usually clears the freeze.
Toggle Tutorials
- Some players experience crashes when tutorials pop up. Turn all tips on in settings, then manually turn off each one and save. This clears stuck tutorial prompts.
Verify Roster Size
- In Franchise mode, freezing can occur if your active roster isn’t exactly 28 players. Always double-check your roster count.
Disable Cross-Play
- Peer-to-peer matchmaking can cause desyncs. Turn off cross-play in the online settings to reduce freezing risks.
Avoid Unnatural Positions
- Don’t assign players to positions they don’t normally play. Secondary positions that clash visually with the lineup screen can trigger freezes.
2. Adjust System & Hardware Settings
Disable Quick Resume / Rest Mode
- Fully close the game daily and restart your console. This clears memory leaks that may lead to freezes.
Toggle Video Settings
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), 120Hz output, and HDR can cause instability. Turn these off in your console settings.
Perform a Hard Reboot
- Hold the console power button for 7 seconds to force a full shutdown. This clears cached system data.
Rebuild System Database
- On PS5, boot into Safe Mode and select “Rebuild Database.” On Xbox, clear the system cache. This removes corrupted game files that may cause crashes.
3. Avoid Unstable Menus & Freeze-Offs
Cycle the App Intermittently
- After any online match, close and relaunch the game. Continuous play without relaunching can cause peer-to-peer freezes.
Use Main Menu for Moments
- Access Moments directly from the main dashboard instead of navigating through Diamond Dynasty sub-menus. This avoids certain menu bugs.
Avoid Progress Tabs
- Rapid clicking through XP paths, Collections, or attribute carousels can trigger freezes. Take your time or wait for official patches.
Disable Auto-Save
- In Road to the Show or Franchise mode, manually alternate between multiple save slots. This prevents corrupted save files that can freeze your game.