Questions and answers

Master Fantasy Baseball: Common Questions & Expert Answers

Welcome to the ultimate FAQ for Fantasy Baseball! Whether you’re drafting your first team or you’re a seasoned manager aiming for the championship, we’ve got the answers. Our experts have tackled the most common questions to help you navigate the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I draft prospects? A: Drafting prospects (young players in the minor leagues) depends on your league type. In keeper or dynasty leagues where you keep players year-to-year, prospects are valuable. In redraft leagues (new teams each year), prospects usually only have value if they are expected to be called up and contribute during the current season.

Q: How does drafting work? A: Drafting is how you build your initial team. Common draft types include Snake drafts (draft order reverses each round) and Auction drafts (managers bid on players using a set budget). Preparation is key – understand player values, position scarcity, and your league’s specific settings before the draft starts.

Q: What is the Waiver Wire and Free Agency? A: Players not on any team roster are available either as Free Agents (can be added immediately) or on Waivers. Waiver claims usually process after a set period (e.g., 1-2 days), often using a priority system or a Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) where managers bid for players.

Q: How do trades work? A: You can propose trades with other managers in your league. Successful trades require negotiation and finding deals that benefit both teams. Most leagues have a trade deadline near the end of the season.

Q: How do I manage my roster during the season? A: Daily or weekly lineup setting is crucial. You’ll need to bench players on off-days or facing tough matchups. Use the waiver wire or free agency to pick up players who are performing well or filling a short-term need. Trades with other managers are also a key way to improve your team.

Q: What are Injured List (IL) spots? A: IL spots allow you to temporarily remove injured players from your active roster without having to drop them. This opens up a roster spot to add a replacement player while your injured star recovers. Rules for IL eligibility vary by league.

Q: What’s the difference between SP and RP? A: SP stands for Starting Pitcher, who typically pitch every 5 days. RP stands for Relief Pitcher, who pitch more frequently but usually for fewer innings, often in specialized roles like closers (who get Saves) or setup men.

Q: What are innings pitched (IP) limits or starts limits? A: Some leagues limit the number of innings your pitchers can accrue or the number of games started to prevent managers from streaming pitchers excessively. Understand these limits, as exceeding them can result in penalties or stats not counting.

Q: What are the common scoring formats in fantasy baseball? A: The most common formats are Rotisserie (Roto), Head-to-Head (H2H) Categories, and Points Leagues. Roto ranks teams based on cumulative stats in categories like Home Runs, RBIs, Wins, and ERA. H2H Categories pits teams against each other weekly, competing to win more categories. Points leagues assign point values to stats (e.g., Single = 1 point, Strikeout = 1 point) and the team with the most points wins.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Baseball Success

Step up your game with these essential tips:

• Be patient with slumping stars, but know when to cut bait on underperformers.
• Monitor playing time battles and lineup positions.
• Utilize the waiver wire actively to find hot streaks and injury replacements.
• Consider streaming pitchers or hitters in H2H leagues based on weekly matchups.
• Understand your league’s scoring system inside and out.
• Pay attention to ballpark factors and player home/road splits.
• In Roto leagues, stay competitive in all categories; don’t punt any.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t strike out! Avoid these common fantasy baseball pitfalls:

• Overvaluing Saves and drafting closers too early.
• Chasing last week’s stats on the waiver wire.
• Drafting based on name recognition instead of current projections/stats.
• Not factoring in injury risk for certain players.
• Failing to understand specific league rules (e.g., transaction limits, scoring nuances).
• Ignoring stolen bases or other scarce categories.

Fantasy Baseball Glossary

Talk the talk with these key fantasy baseball terms:

Roto: Rotisserie scoring, where teams are ranked based on cumulative stats in set categories. IL / DL: Injured List (formerly Disabled List). A spot to stash injured players. H2H: Head-to-Head scoring, where teams compete against one opponent each week. Streaming: Picking up players (usually pitchers) for short-term use based on favorable matchups. FAAB: Free Agent Acquisition Budget. A fictional budget used to bid on waiver wire players. WHIP: Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched. A common pitching ratio statistic.

Need More Help?

We’re here to support your fantasy baseball season! Here’s how to get assistance:

In-App Help Desk: Access FAQs and submit support tickets directly within the app.

Live Chat Support: Get real-time help during peak hours (check availability).

Email Support: Get detailed answers to your questions within 24-48 hours.

Still Have Questions?

Our support team and community forums are great resources for any other questions. Whether you’re navigating your first season or managing multiple leagues, we’re here to help you succeed. Good luck this season!