Questions and answers

Fantasy Baseball Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about fantasy baseball? You’re in the right dugout! Below you’ll find clear answers to frequently asked questions covering everything from scoring formats to waiver wire strategy. Let us help you build a winning team.

Frequently Asked Questions

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: 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: 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 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: 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’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: 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 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.

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.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Baseball Success

Step up your game with these essential tips:

• Consider streaming pitchers or hitters in H2H leagues based on weekly matchups.
• Understand your league’s scoring system inside and out.
• Balance your offense across hitting categories (Power, Speed, Average).
• Utilize the waiver wire actively to find hot streaks and injury replacements.
• Monitor playing time battles and lineup positions.
• Be patient with slumping stars, but know when to cut bait on underperformers.
• Know the difference between Saves and Holds for relief pitchers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Drafting based on name recognition instead of current projections/stats.
• Not factoring in injury risk for certain players.
• Chasing last week’s stats on the waiver wire.
• Underestimating the impact of ballpark factors on player performance.
• Not having enough pitching depth.
• Overvaluing Saves and drafting closers too early.

Fantasy Baseball Glossary

Talk the talk with these key fantasy baseball terms:

H2H: Head-to-Head scoring, where teams compete against one opponent each week. WHIP: Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched. A common pitching ratio statistic. IL / DL: Injured List (formerly Disabled List). A spot to stash injured players. BABIP: Batting Average on Balls In Play. Used to analyze hitting luck or skill. Keeper League: A league where managers can keep a certain number of players from their previous year’s team. Streaming: Picking up players (usually pitchers) for short-term use based on favorable matchups.

Need More Help?

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

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

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

Community Forums: Discuss strategy, ask questions, and interact with fellow fantasy managers.

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!