Michael Kopech vs. Dale Thayer — Career Comparison

Michael Kopech built a career as a starting pitcher and Dale Thayer as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Dale Thayer led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 132 vs 58), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 99 vs 78), and run prevention (ERA+ 117 vs 95). Michael Kopech held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 100 vs 95). Role difference aside, Dale Thayer holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.