John Axford vs. Phil Hughes — Career Comparison

Phil Hughes 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. Phil Hughes led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 204 vs 81), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 103 vs 93), and run prevention (ERA+ 97 vs 89). John Axford held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 93 vs 84). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Phil Hughes.