Michael Kopech vs. Chris Smith — Career Comparison

Michael Kopech built a career as a starting pitcher and Chris Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Michael Kopech led in home run suppression (HR9+ 83 vs 45), strikeout rate (K%+ 100 vs 73), and run prevention (ERA+ 95 vs 81). Chris Smith held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 103 vs 58). Role difference aside, Michael Kopech holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.