Phil Hughes vs. Junichi Tazawa — Career Comparison

Phil Hughes built a career as a starting pitcher and Junichi Tazawa as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Junichi Tazawa led in home run suppression (HR9+ 96 vs 84), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 110 vs 103), and run prevention (ERA+ 102 vs 97). Phil Hughes held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 204 vs 146). Role difference aside, Junichi Tazawa holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.