Steve Carlton vs. Erik Swanson — Career Comparison

Steve Carlton built a career as a starting pitcher and Erik Swanson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Erik Swanson led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 152 vs 93), run prevention (ERA+ 130 vs 95), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 115 vs 91). Steve Carlton held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 109 vs 109). Role difference aside, Erik Swanson holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.