John Axford vs. Johnny Cueto — Career Comparison

Johnny Cueto built a career as a starting pitcher and John Axford as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Johnny Cueto led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 81), run prevention (ERA+ 100 vs 89), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 96 vs 93). John Axford held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 110 vs 101). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Johnny Cueto.