Ben McDonald vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

Ben McDonald built a career as a starting pitcher and Lee Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Lee Smith led in home run suppression (HR9+ 131 vs 105), strikeout rate (K%+ 128 vs 105), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 112 vs 105). Ben McDonald held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 119 vs 109). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Lee Smith.