Michael Kopech vs. John Lackey — Career Comparison

The numbers give John Lackey a clear advantage over Michael Kopech across the core pitching metrics. John Lackey led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 115 vs 58), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 93 vs 78), and strikeout rate (K%+ 103 vs 100). Michael Kopech held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 83 vs 80). John Lackey was the better starter — the numbers make that case clearly.