Understanding the Environment of Yahoo Fantasy Baseball Points Leagues
Although many fantasy baseball writers tend to focus on rotisserie (roto) formats when crafting their articles, points leagues have become increasingly popular, serving as the default setting on many well-known platforms, including Yahoo. This shift towards points leagues is significant because the scoring systems can vary widely from site to site, making it essential for managers to understand the nuances of Yahoo’s setup. The good news is that Yahoo’s default scoring settings are among the most reasonable and balanced you’ll find. When reviewing the 2024 final player rankings, it’s clear that the top players in both roto and Yahoo points leagues were quite similar. For instance, the top-seven hitters—Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Juan Soto, José Ramírez, and Gunnar Henderson—were the same in both formats, as were the top-three starting pitchers—Tarik Skubal, Zack Wheeler, and Chris Sale. However, minor differences do exist, and being aware of these can give you a competitive edge.
Position Players: Leveraging Doubles and Triples
In Yahoo points leagues, players are rewarded for hitting doubles and triples, a factor that can significantly alter the value of certain hitters. Jarren Duran, for example, led the majors in both doubles and triples last year, which propelled him to the eighth-most valuable player in points leagues. Similarly, Ezequiel Tovar finished second in baseball with 45 doubles, allowing him to rank 37th among the most productive hitters. Even players who don’t excel in homers and steals, like Alec Bohm, can find their way into the top 60 thanks to their ability to hit doubles. This scoring system shifts the focus to consistent base knocks, making players like Duran and Tovar precious assets that shouldn’t be overlooked during your draft.
Patience is a Virtue
One of the most unique aspects of Yahoo’s points league scoring is the equal value placed on walks and singles. This means that patience at the plate, rather than just a high batting average, can provide a strong foundation for your team. Kyle Schwarber, known for his power but often criticized for his low batting average, is a prime example. His penchant for drawing walks made him a valuable asset in points leagues, where his overall contribution was more balanced. Jonathan India, another player who excels at drawing walks, was an average roto asset but ranked 52nd among points league hitters. Even one-dimensional players like Nolan Schanuel, who drew 68 walks, managed to rank as the 100th most valuable hitter in points leagues. Additionally, the fact that strikeouts do not penalize players in Yahoo’s default scoring system means that high-strikeout, low-average hitters can be particularly useful.
Speed Still Matters
Despite the emphasis on other stats, speed remains a valuable commodity in Yahoo points leagues. Each stolen base is worth 4.2 points, which can significantly boost a player’s overall value. Players like Brice Turang and Nico Hoerner nearly cracked the top 50 hitters last year due to their speed, while Maikel Garcia and Andrés Giménez each made it into the top 100. While one-dimensional base stealers may be slightly less valuable in points leagues compared to roto formats, their speed is still a crucial element that can tip the scales in your favor. Managers should not dismiss these players, as they can provide a consistent source of points throughout the season.
Pitchers: Whiffs for the Win
Pitchers who accumulate a large number of strikeouts benefit the most from the switch to points leagues. Michael King and Sonny Gray both achieved 200-strikeout seasons, which helped them secure top 10 finishes in points leagues, despite not ranking among the top 20 pitchers in roto formats. In fact, the top six points-league hurlers were those who recorded at least 220 strikeouts. This scoring system rewards pitchers who can maintain a high strikeout rate, making them indispensable for a competitive team. Drafting pitchers with a strong K/9 ratio should be a priority, as they can significantly bolster your team’s total points.
Quantity Over Quality
In Yahoo points leagues, pitchers receive a point for each out they record. This means that workhorse starters, who can log a high number of innings, are particularly valuable. Pablo López, despite a mediocre 4.08 ERA and 1.19 WHIP last season, finished as a top 20 points-league pitcher due to his 185.1 innings and 198 strikeouts. Jake Irvin, who was no better than replacement level in roto formats, also found his way into the top 60 points-league pitchers thanks to his 187.2 innings pitched. This focus on quantity over quality means that managers should prioritize pitchers who can consistently rack up innings, even if their overall performance isn’t stellar. This approach can provide a steady stream of points and help you stay competitive in the long run.
Draft Strategy: The Road Map to Victory
Yahoo’s balanced default scoring system means that there isn’t a clear advantage to drafting one position over another in the early rounds. Hitters will typically score more points than pitchers, but the gap between elite players and those at replacement level is similar across both categories. This similarity holds true within the pitching position as well, where elite closers are as valuable as low-end aces. Given the ease of streaming pitchers in Yahoo points leagues, it’s wise to save some of your final draft picks to round out your pitching staff. However, it’s still crucial to secure a few outstanding pitchers early on to anchor your staff. A solid strategy is to fill five of your eight pitching spots in the first half of the draft, then focus on hitting in the middle rounds, and finally grab a few pitchers in the final rounds. Additionally, the smaller roster size in points leagues means that the waiver wire will be more fruitful. This encourages managers to take risks on high-ceiling players like Jasson Dominguez in the middle rounds, as replacements are readily available. By balancing your roster and taking calculated risks, you can build a team that stands a strong chance of success in Yahoo’s points league format.
