MLB Site Scoring Differences
It is important to know how sites score each sport, as there are some key differences that can make players more appealing on one site and less appealing on another. First of all, we’ll look at how FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo score things for hitting. After listing each respective scoring system, I’ll point out any key differences between the sites before moving on to pitching.
Editors Note: This information is provided for your reference and guidance. Projections models such as RotoGrinders projections and THE BAT account for site scoring differences, and this information should not be double emphasized.
HITTING
(NOTE: FantasyDraft uses the same scoring system as DraftKings, with the lone exception being FantasyDraft docks a player two points if they are caught stealing.)
FANDUEL
Single: +3
Double: +6
Triple: +9
Home Run: +12
RBI: +3.5
Run: +3
Walk: +3
Stolen base: +6
Hit by pitch: +3
DRAFTKINGS
Single: +3
Double: +5
Triple: +8
Home Run: +10
RBI: +2
Run: +2
Walk: +2
Stolen base: +5
Hit by pitch: +2
YAHOO
Single: +2.6
Double: +5.2
Triple: +7.8
Home Run: +10.4
RBI: +1.9
Run: +1.9
Walk: +2.6
Stolen base: +4.2
Hit by pitch: +2.6
When looking at the two main sites (FD and DK), you can see that runs/RBI’s are weighted more heavily on FD while more power is key on DK. Another way to put it is that a hitter’s value on FD is a bit more reliant on the lineup around him (e.g. you can’t score runs if no one knocks you in, your RBI’s are suppressed if no one is on base in front of you, etc.), so you can easily make the argument that stacking is even more important on FD.
While on DK, the value of guys with the most power upside increases even more due to their scoring. Suppose you are deciding whether to take a low power guy at the top of the order on a team with a high implied run total on DK or a guy with double-dong upside as a one-off. On DK, it is usually going to make far more sense to target the guy with the immense power upside.
Key Take Aways
— Stacking is important everywhere, but even more critical on FD.
— Home Run power should be emphasized on DraftKings.
PITCHING
(NOTE: FantasyDraft uses the same scoring system as DraftKings, with the lone exception being FantasyDraft offers a larger bonus (+10) for a no-hitter.)
FANDUEL
Win: +6
Quality start: +4
Earned run: -3
Strikeout: +3
Inning pitched: +3 (fractional scoring per out)
DRAFTKINGS
Win: +4
Earned run: -2
Strikeout: +2
Inning pitched: +2.25 (fractional scoring per out)
Hit against: -0.6
Walk against: -0.6
Hit batsman: -0.6
Complete game: +2.5
Complete game shutout: +2.5
No-hitter: +5
YAHOO
Win: +4
Earned run: -2
Strikeout: +2
Inning pitched: +3 (fractional scoring per out)
Hit against: -0.9
Walk against: -0.9
Hit batsman: -0.9
Comparing the two main sites (FD and DK), we see that FD weights the win more than DK and also has that quality start bonus. DK, on the other hand, penalizes pitchers for giving up walks and hits. So you will often run into scenarios where pitchers that are big favorites, with perhaps average skills, are going to project as much better plays on FD compared to DK.
Key Take Aways
— WHIP is penalized on DK, where hits and walks accrue negative points.
— Wins are rewarded more heavily on FD. The QS bonus also provides a boost.
— Strikeouts and run prevention matter everywhere.