R. J. Alvarez vs. Art Smith — Career Comparison

Art Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and R. J. Alvarez as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. R. J. Alvarez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 7.71 and WHIP 1.879 compared to 11.57 and 3.000 for Art Smith. By the career numbers, R. J. Alvarez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.