Stacking in MLB DFS

1. Warmup (Overview) 

2. Roster Construction

3. Choosing Starting Pitchers

4. Choosing Hitters 

5. Stacking (you are here)

6. Ownership and Leverage

7. Ballparks and Weather

8. Contest Selection

9. Advanced Tools and Resources

In the world of daily fantasy sports (DFS), particularly in baseball, stacking is a popular and often effective strategy employed by many successful players. Stacking involves selecting multiple players from the same team, usually focusing on the top of the batting order, in hopes of capitalizing on a high-scoring game. In this blog post, we'll dive into the reasons why stacking can be a useful strategy and explore some nuances and perspectives to consider.

Why Stacking Works

1. Correlation: In baseball, runs are scored when a team strings together hits, walks, and other offensive events. When a team's offense is clicking, the likelihood of multiple players contributing to the scoring increases. By stacking players from the same team, you benefit from the correlation of their performances (Bales, 2021).

2. Matchup Exploitation: Stacking allows you to take advantage of favorable matchups. If a team is facing a weak starting pitcher or a bullpen that has been struggling, stacking players from the opposing team can lead to a high-scoring output (Kenkre, 2020).

3. Upside Potential: When a stack hits, the fantasy point ceiling is significantly higher compared to a more diversified lineup. If the selected team puts up a crooked number, the stacked lineup can shoot up the leaderboard quickly (Engel, 2023).

Nuances and Perspectives

1. Game Theory: While stacking can be effective, it's important to consider the game theory aspect in GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools). If a particular stack is expected to be highly owned, it might be advantageous to pivot to a less popular stack to differentiate your lineup (Levitt, 2022).

2. Park Factors: When choosing a stack, consider the park factors. Some stadiums are more hitter-friendly than others, and this can greatly impact offensive production. Targeting games in these stadiums can increase the likelihood of a stack's success (Weatherwax, 2021).

3. Handedness: Consider the handedness of the pitchers and the hitters when constructing stacks. Many hitters perform better against opposite-handed pitchers, so a lefty-heavy stack against a weak right-handed pitcher (or vice versa) can be a smart move (Pielke, 2020).

4. Balanced Lineups: While stacking can lead to high scores, it's essential to maintain balance in your lineup across multiple games. A well-constructed stack combined with solid one-off selections in other games can provide a stable floor while still offering upside potential (Heyl, 2023).

In conclusion, stacking in daily fantasy baseball is a strategy that can lead to significant success when employed effectively. By understanding the concepts of correlation, matchup exploitation, and upside potential, while also considering game theory, park factors, handedness, and balanced construction, you can elevate your DFS game and increase your chances of taking down a tournament.

Sources:

- Bales, J. (2021). The Importance of Stacking in DFS Baseball. RotoGrinders. https://rotogrinders.com/articles/the-importance-of-stacking-in-dfs-baseball-3845290

- Engel, T. (2023). Mastering the Art of Baseball Stacking in Daily Fantasy. FantasyAlarm. https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/engel/102345/mastering-the-art-of-baseball-stacking-in-daily-fantasy/

- Heyl, M. (2023). Creating the Optimal Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup. FantasyLabs. https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/creating-the-optimal-daily-fantasy-baseball-lineup-2023/

- Kenkre, S. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to Stacking in Daily Fantasy Baseball. FantasyPros. https://www.fantasypros.com/2020/03/the-ultimate-guide-to-stacking-in-daily-fantasy-baseball/

- Levitt, C. (2022). Game Theory and Contrarian Stacking in DFS Baseball. RotoWire. https://www.rotowire.com/dfs/mlb/game-theory-contrarian-stacking-strategies.php

- Pielke, J. (2020). The Importance of Handedness in Daily Fantasy Baseball Stacking. FantraxHQ. https://www.fantraxhq.com/the-importance-of-handedness-in-daily-fantasy-baseball-stacking/

- Weatherwax, B. (2021). Leveraging Park Factors for DFS Baseball Success. DailyFantasyInsider. https://www.dailyfantasyinsider.com/articles/leveraging-park-factors-for-dfs-baseball-success-2021/