Michael Kopech vs. Theolic Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Michael Kopech and Theolic Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Michael Kopech posted stronger numbers in ERA (4.14 vs 4.95) and WHIP (1.333 vs 1.511). Theolic Smith had the advantage in home runs allowed (0.51 per nine innings vs 1.45). By the career numbers, Michael Kopech had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.