Walker Buehler vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

Walker Buehler built a career as a starting pitcher and Lee Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Walker Buehler led in run prevention (ERA+ 134 vs 109), walk avoidance (BB%+ 120 vs 104), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 123 vs 112). Lee Smith held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 128 vs 111). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Walker Buehler.