Jim Abbott vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

The numbers give John Smoltz a clear advantage over Jim Abbott across the core pitching metrics. John Smoltz led in strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 81), run prevention (ERA+ 106 vs 92), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 94). Jim Abbott held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 95 vs 91). John Smoltz was the better starter — the numbers make that case clearly.