Clayton Kershaw vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

The numbers give Clayton Kershaw a clear advantage over John Smoltz across the core pitching metrics. Clayton Kershaw led in run prevention (ERA+ 140 vs 106), walk avoidance (BB%+ 120 vs 91), and home run suppression (HR9+ 123 vs 106). John Smoltz held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 111). Clayton Kershaw was the better starter — the numbers make that case clearly.