Steven Matz vs. Drew Smith — Career Comparison

Steven Matz built a career as a starting pitcher and Drew Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Steven Matz led in home run suppression (HR9+ 110 vs 77), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 108 vs 91), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 113 vs 101). Drew Smith held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 132 vs 111). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Steven Matz.