We have a huge alteration to the DRAFT daily fantasy sports game, in regards to the MLB lineup in 2018.
In the past, this was how you constructed your lineup:
- Pitcher
- Pitcher
- Hitter
- Hitter
- Hitter
This season, it looks like this:
- Pitcher
- Infielder
- Infielder
- Outfielder
- Outfielder
This changes the dynamic drastically. Instead of cherry-picking the two strongest pitchers of the slate, you must now choose only one. My strongest advice for contests that include Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Corey Kluber (among other aces), is to join the “Dream Team” games on those days. That way, you aren’t behind the eight ball when Kershaw/Scherzer/Kluber take the mound. Naturally, since every team’s ace will likely start on Opening Day, the first week (or two) is an exception.
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As for the hitter portion of the scoring, I’m glad they defined the infielder/outfielder spots. Again, it forces players to put more thought into their lineup instead of constantly taking hitters who are staples in the first round of season-long fantasy drafts.
Let’s take a look at the scoring format for both pitchers and hitters.
Pitchers
- Win = 4 pts
- ER = -1
- K = 1
- IP = 1
Nothing has changed here. You are still targeting pitchers who have a strong chance of winning their game, going deep into the start (at least seven innings) and tallying a high strikeout total. Basically, Kershaw, Scherzer, and Kluber (Chris Sale, too).
The wins category is always a tough one to judge. However, Kluber has won 18 games in three of the past four seasons. Also, in the past four seasons, Kershaw has averaged 16.75 wins per year. Looking back even further, Scherzer has averaged 17.8 wins per season (two years with at least 20 wins).
Those pitches are studs. No doubt about it. Now, let’s look at some pitching surprises from last season that could carry over into 2018…
- Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer both won at least 17 games in 2017.
- While Sale (12.93), Scherzer (12.02), and Kluber (11.71) were three of the top four in K/9, Robbie Ray was second on that list (12.11). Ray will also have the added perk of getting a humidor, for baseballs, at Chase Field.
- Sale led the league with 214.1 IP last season, but Ervin Santana (211.1), Jeff Samardzija (207.2), and Justin Verlander (206) finished second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Hitters
- Single = 3
- Double = 6
- Triple = 8
- HR = 10
- RBI = 2
- R = 2
- BB = 3
- SB = 4
- HBP = 3
Again, nothing is different here. Home run hitters are the favorites. But, as you’ll notice, the game gives a nod to the speedsters, too. Stolen base artists earn four points for each swipe.
Here are a few hitting surprises from last season that could carry over into 2018…
- Last year, Dee Gordon, Jose Altuve, and Mookie Betts were the only players to steal at least 26 bases and score 100 runs.
- As far as power-hitters are concerned, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Charlie Blackmon, and Nolan Arenado are the only hitters to produce at least 37 home runs and 100 RBI. The Yankees and Rockies will have some popular choices on their rosters this season.
- Speaking of Blackmon, he led the league with 14 triples in 2017. In the doubles category, Jose Ramirez led all hitters with 56. Also, Dee Gordon was on top of the leaderboard with 170 singles (12 more than second place).
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Adam Meyer is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Adam, check out his archive and follow him @CharlieSideHstl.
