Jose Mercedes vs. Drew Smith — Career Comparison

Jose Mercedes 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. Drew Smith led in strikeout rate (K%+ 108 vs 82), run prevention (ERA+ 132 vs 108), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 101 vs 99). Jose Mercedes held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 111 vs 77). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Drew Smith.