Michael Kopech vs. Josh Smith — Career Comparison

Michael Kopech built a career as a starting pitcher and Josh Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Josh Smith led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 91 vs 58), home run suppression (HR9+ 108 vs 83), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 87 vs 78). Michael Kopech held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 100 vs 76). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Josh Smith.