Mike Balas vs. Kirby Higbe — Career Comparison

Kirby Higbe built a career as a starting pitcher and Mike Balas as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Kirby Higbe posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.69 and WHIP 1.404 compared to 6.75 and 2.250 for Mike Balas. By the career numbers, Kirby Higbe had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.