Fantasy baseball is an exciting way for fans to engage with Major League Baseball (MLB) by managing their own virtual teams, competing against others and even turning a profit. Whether you're new to the game and wondering how does fantasy baseball work or just looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals fantasy baseball strategy.
And once you know how to play fantasy baseball, you can up your fantasy game with a Rotowire subscription and get insider tips, access to tools and much more!
Best Fantasy Baseball Strategy
There are multiple ways to build a successful fantasy baseball team by employing solid sportsbook promos at fantasy sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel and play daily fantasy games every day of the season.
1. Understanding Fantasy Baseball
So, if you are new to all of this, you might be wondering, "What is fantasy baseball?" and "How does baseball fantasy work"?
Fantasy baseball is a game where participants create teams composed of real MLB players. The performance of your fantasy team is based on the real-life statistics these players accumulate during actual games. The goal is to outscore your opponents by making strategic decisions, including player acquisitions, trades and lineup adjustments. Knowing fantasy baseball rules is part of this guide to fantasy baseball.
Unlike traditional baseball fandom where players would cheer for their favorite team or the teams they've bet on at sports betting apps, fantasy baseball requires an analytical approach. You need to track player statistics, injuries and trends while also setting your daily or weekly lineup to stay competitive. The draft is important, but almost all fantasy baseball leagues allow players to make acquisitions and changes to their lineup over the course of the season. Fantasy baseball is a game of skill that rewards managers who make informed decisions.
2. Choosing a Fantasy Baseball Format
Before joining a league, you need to know how to play MLB fantasy baseball to decide which format suits your playing style. There's no "best" format but rather one that interests you most and believe gives you the best chance for success. However, how to play head-to-head fantasy baseball will differ than in points leagues. The most common formats include:
Rotisserie (Roto)
In this classic format, teams accumulate statistics across multiple categories throughout the season. Each team is ranked based on cumulative totals in categories like home runs, batting average, and stolen bases for hitters, and wins, strikeouts, and ERA for pitchers. The team with the highest combined ranking at the end of the season wins.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
In head-to-head leagues, teams compete against one another in weekly matchups. Categories or points are used to determine the winner of each matchup. For example, in a category-based league, you may win if your team performs better in at least six out of 10 statistical categories.
Points Leagues
Similar to fantasy football, points leagues assign a numerical value to each statistical achievement. For instance, home runs might be worth four points, while stolen bases could be worth two points. The team with the highest point total at the end of the season or week wins.
Dynasty & Keeper Leagues
These leagues allow managers to retain a portion or all of their roster for future seasons. Keeper leagues enable you to keep a set number of players, while dynasty leagues allow you to keep your entire roster indefinitely, mirroring real-life franchise management.
Daily Fantasy Baseball
You can also sign up with sportsbook promos at fantasy sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel and play daily fantasy games every day of the season. While the offers from fantasy providers won't rival what you might get from a BetMGM bonus code offer or a Caesars Sportsbook promo code welcome bonus for sports betting, there are plenty of perks that come with signing up and participating in daily fantasy baseball contests.
3. Drafting Your Team
Drafting your fantasy baseball team is one of the most important aspects of fantasy baseball, but how does fantasy baseball draft work? Your ability to select a strong, balanced team can set the tone for your season. There are two main types of drafts:
Snake Draft
A snake draft follows a serpentine order. If you have the last pick in the first round, you get the first pick in the second round. This system levels the playing field by giving teams with later picks a slight advantage in subsequent rounds.
Auction Draft
In an auction draft, each manager has a budget (typically $260) to bid on players. This format allows for greater flexibility, as you can allocate your budget however you see fit and all players are available to all owners. For example, you may choose to spend heavily on a few superstars or build a well-balanced team with solid mid-tier players.
Draft Strategies
- Study Player Rankings: Research player projections and rankings before draft day specific to the categories used by your league
- Balance Your Team: Ensure you have a mix of power hitters, speedsters, starting pitchers, and closers.
- Don't Overpay for Stars: While star players are important, depth is key to long-term success.
- Save room for $1 players: Your drafted roster will look different than your roster at the end of the season, so it makes sense to draft a few fliers at $1 knowing that you will make pickups throughout the year.
4. Managing Your Roster
Once the season begins, roster management is crucial to your success. A well-drafted team is important, but making smart moves throughout the season is what separates champions from the rest.
Monitoring Player Performance
Keep a close eye on player stats, injuries, and hot streaks. If a player is underperforming or injured, consider replacing them with a more productive option. This includes other team's players, as there may be potential to trade for someone who is under-performing but can turn things around. Just like you track player and team performance to make smarter wagers on sports betting sites, the same goes for fantasy baseball leagues.
Making Waiver Wire Moves
The waiver wire is where free-agent players are available for pickup. Pay attention to emerging players, rookies getting more playing time or being called up to The Show, starters who will be making two starts in a week, or under-the-radar contributors who can give your team a boost in the categories where you're struggling most.
Setting Lineups
Most leagues require daily or weekly lineup adjustments. Be sure to start your best players while considering matchups, rest days, and potential injuries.
5. Understanding Scoring Categories
Fantasy baseball scoring varies depending on your league settings. The most common categories include:
Batting Stats
- Home Runs (HR) – Number of home runs hit
- Runs Batted In (RBI) – Total runs driven in by a player
- Batting Average (AVG) – Hits divided by at-bats; some leagues will swap this for on-base percentage, which is hits + walks divided by plate appearances
- Stolen Bases (SB) – Number of bases stolen
- Runs (R) – Total runs scored
Pitching Stats
- Wins (W) – Total number of wins earned by a pitcher
- Strikeouts (K) – Total number of batters struck out
- Earned Run Average (ERA) – Average earned runs allowed per nine innings
- Saves (SV) – Number of games finished by a closer where the team wins; some leagues will add holds as a combined category to make more relief pitchers relevant
- WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched) – Measure of a pitcher's efficiency keeping baserunners off the base path
6. Trading and Strategy
A strong trade strategy can give you a competitive edge. Here are some tips:
- Buy Low, Sell High: Identify struggling players with potential and trade for them before they rebound
- Balance Your Team: If you have excess home run hitters but lack speed, trade to fill the gap
- Monitor Opponents' Needs: Look at other teams' weaknesses and propose mutually beneficial trades
7. Staying Engaged Throughout the Season
Consistency is key to winning a fantasy baseball league. Stay active by following these best practices:
- Stay Updated on MLB News: Monitor injuries, call-ups, and lineup changes
- Follow Expert Advice: Read analysis and listen to fantasy baseball podcasts
- Engage with Your League: Participate in discussions, propose trades, and keep the competition fun
Our Expert Fantasy Baseball Guide Conclusion
Fantasy baseball is a rewarding game that combines strategy, skill, and passion for the sport. Whether you're playing for fun or competing for a championship, the key to how to play baseball fantasy games successfully is staying informed, making smart roster decisions and enjoying the process.
As is the case when wagering with MLB betting promos, there are a number of different ways to strategize when it comes to how to play daily fantasy baseball and season-long contests. But the end goal remains the same of building the best team, getting lucky with the health of those players, and being the last team standing when the regular season ends.
