When diving into DFS, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to focus on cash games or GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) tournaments. Each has its own appeal, offering distinct strategies for success.

Some players favor cash games for their consistency. With the goal of building a bankroll over time, cash games offer a lower risk approach. Others are drawn to GPP tournaments, chasing that massive payout from a high-risk, high-reward strategy. This guide will walk you through the differences, so you can find the approach that fits your style—and maybe even take home some serious winnings!

 

 

 

MLB DFS: Types Of GPP Contests

  • MME (Mass Multi-Entry) Tournaments: These are the heavy hitters of DFS, with massive prize pools and 50K+ entries. Players can max out with 150 lineups, facing off against tons of computer-generated rosters. It’s a high-variance format, but the rewards are substantial if you manage to hit on a unique combination.
  • Limited-Entry Tournaments: These allow you to enter more than one lineup but cap the number of entries you can make (e.g., 3-max, 10-max). These are a sweet spot for players who want to enter multiple lineups but still keep the competition manageable.
  • Single-Entry Tournaments: If you’re tired of the sharks entering 150 lineups, single-entry contests are a great option. Everyone is competing with just one lineup, so there’s less chance of being outdone by computers and mass entries. If you prefer hand-building your lineup, this is a perfect fit.
  • Winner-Take-All: These tournaments are all or nothing. If you don’t finish first, you walk away with nothing. The field is usually smaller, and the strategy often revolves around finding lower-owned players who can outperform expectations.

 

 

 

MLB DFS Lineup Stacking

Stacking in MLB DFS is a strategic approach to increase your upside by grouping players from the same team. Here's how to approach it:

  • Full-Team Stacks: This is the go-to strategy for many GPP players. Typically, you’ll stack 4-5 players from the same team in hopes of a big offensive explosion. On DraftKings, you can even stack five players from one team. The idea is that if one team does well, your lineup will too.
  • Full Game Stacks: If two teams are throwing out bad pitchers and the Vegas over/under is high, you might go all-in on stacking both teams in that game. It’s a bold move, but it could pay off handsomely if the game turns into a slugfest.
  • Stadium Buffs: Some ballparks are better for hitters. If you’ve got a game in a hitter-friendly environment, stacking that game could give you an edge.
  • Mini Stacks: Not every player loves entering dozens of lineups. Mini stacks allow you to focus on a few key players from different teams. For example, you might go 2x2x2x2—grabbing two hitters from multiple teams. This strategy can work on slates where you want exposure to several games.

Chalk & Pivoting

  • Chalk: These are the most popular players on the slate, often backed by the highest projected points. But don’t just play chalk because it’s popular—be sure to dig deeper and decide whether it's justified by the matchup or if you're better off avoiding it.
  • Pivoting: The contrarian strategy involves selecting lesser-owned players with favorable matchups. If your pivot hits big while the chalk disappoints, you could leapfrog the competition. Pivoting is especially useful in large-field GPPs.

 

 

 

What Are MLB DFS Cash Games?

Cash games are low-risk contests where players aim to finish above a certain threshold to double or even triple their entry fee. These contests aren’t as top-heavy as GPPs, and everyone above the "cash line" receives the same payout.

Common cash game formats include:

  • Double-Ups: The goal here is simple: finish in the top 44% and double your money.
  • 50/50: Similar to Double-Ups, but 50% of the pool wins, and the payout is slightly less than double the entry fee due to the site’s rake.
  • Head-to-Head: You’re up against just one other player, and you’ll win a little less than double your money after the rake is taken out.
  • Triple-Ups: Around a third of the participants win three times their entry fee.

How To Build An MLB DFS Cash Lineup

  • Prioritize Pitching: In cash games, stability is key. High-end pitchers rarely give you a negative performance. even on a bad day, their worst performance is rarely a negative. By contrast, hitters have more variability, making pitchers a safer bet for consistent points.
  • Plate Appearances Equal Profit: In baseball, batters who get on base often and have the opportunity for more plate appearances are valuable. Focus on players who can contribute across multiple categories (walks, singles, stolen bases) to provide a higher floor for your lineup. This is especially important in cash games, where consistency is crucial.
  • Look for Value: Don’t be afraid to roster players with lower salaries who can still produce. A player whose salary is often under $4,000 but may have a high on-base percentage can consistency made him a cash-game staple.

 

 

 

DFS Strategy Factors

For Hitters

  • Salary
  • Ballpark and weather
  • Lefty vs. righty matchup
  • Batting order
  • wOBA (weighted on-base average)
  • Team projected runs
  • Is the hitter facing a pitcher you’re rostered?

For Pitchers

  • Salary
  • Ballpark
  • Strikeout rate
  • Manager tendencies
  • Lefty vs. righty matchups
  • Weather
  • wOBA of opposing hitters
  • Avoid rostering opposing pitchers

The 2025 MLB DFS season offers plenty of opportunities for both cash game players and GPP hopefuls. Whether you’re stacking full teams or focusing on high-value hitters, the key to success is understanding the nuances of each format and adjusting your strategy accordingly. 

By staying on top of matchups, ballpark factors, and game trends, you’ll be poised to dominate the season and maybe even hit a big payday!