Michael Blazek vs. Shota Imanaga — Career Comparison

Shota Imanaga built a career as a starting pitcher and Michael Blazek as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Shota Imanaga led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 180 vs 88), strikeout rate (K%+ 106 vs 87), and run prevention (ERA+ 130 vs 113). Michael Blazek held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 126 vs 74). Role difference aside, Shota Imanaga holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.