Phil Hughes vs. Ryan Wagner — Career Comparison

Phil Hughes built a career as a starting pitcher and Ryan Wagner as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Phil Hughes led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 204 vs 101), run prevention (ERA+ 97 vs 78), and strikeout rate (K%+ 102 vs 91). Ryan Wagner held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 105 vs 84). Role difference aside, Phil Hughes holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.