It’s time for another installment in our multi-part guide to playing MLB DFS. You can find our primary MLB DFS strategy guide here, but I’ve broken down some specific concepts in greater depth as well. We’ll be talking about the differences in MLB DFS scoring between DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo! today, which, because I don’t make the rules, are always subject to change. Make sure to double-check the site you’re playing at hasn’t made any major modifications before starting your MLB DFS journey. It’s also worth noting that our MLB DFS Sims tool can do the hard work and analysis for you, and I strongly encourage you to check it out. Without further ado, let’s begin comparing the MLB DFS scoring systems at DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo!
MLB DFS: Comparing DraftKings, FanDuel & Yahoo! Scoring
MLB DFS: Comparing DraftKings, FanDuel & Yahoo! Scoring
MLB DFS scoring comparison as of June 21, 2024.
MLB DFS Hitter Scoring
| Stat | DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo! |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 3 | 3 | 2.6 |
| 2B | 5 | 6 | 5.2 |
| 3B | 8 | 9 | 7.8 |
| HR | 10 | 12 | 10.4 |
| RBI | 2 | 3.5 | 1.9 |
| R | 2 | 3.2 | 1.9 |
| BB | 2 | 3 | 2.6 |
| HBP | 2 | 3 | 2.6 |
| SB | 5 | 6 | 4.2 |
MLB DFS Pitcher Scoring
| Stat | DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP | 2.25* | 3* | 3* |
| QS | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| W | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| K | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| ER | -2 | -3 | -2 |
| H | -0.6 | N/A | -0.9 |
| BB | -0.6 | N/A | -0.9 |
| HBP | -0.6 | N/A | -0.9 |
| CG | 2.5 | N/A | N/A |
| CGSO | 2.5 | N/A | N/A |
| NH | 5 | N/A | N/A |
Comparing MLB DFS Scoring Differences: Consequences & Strategy Tips
While most sports have similar strategies between fantasy sites, the MLB DFS scoring systems require different strategies to be successful. On DraftKings and Yahoo!, the value of stacking isn’t as high as on FanDuel, because RBIs and runs are relatively less valuable relative to bases.
The marginal value of each additional base is higher on FanDuel because each additional hit with base runners tends to correspond with a run scored. High-scoring performances tend to have a larger proportion of their fantasy points from runs/RBIs than low-scoring teams. This all means batter correlations on FanDuel are significantly more valuable, and you can weigh them more heavily than projection and ownership compared to DraftKings and Yahoo!.
FanDuel’s quality start bonus also creates an incentive to pick pitchers who throw more pitches. To earn a quality start, a pitcher must complete six innings and allow three or fewer earned runs. With a league-average WHIP of around 1.3, six innings on average takes about 26 pitchers. Very few pitchers average that much volume, and the odds of a quality start drop precipitously when a pitcher averages only 80 to 90 pitches compared to 100.
Additionally, giving up bases isn’t penalized, only earned runs. This all means pitchers who go deep in games are relatively more valuable on FanDuel than DraftKings and Yahoo. On DraftKings and Yahoo, you can rely more on the volatility of how many base runners a pitcher gives up to give you the upside you need to win a GPP.
