Robbie Ray vs. Drew Smith — Career Comparison

Robbie Ray 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. Robbie Ray led in strikeout rate (K%+ 132 vs 108), home run suppression (HR9+ 89 vs 77), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 102 vs 91). Drew Smith held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 132 vs 102). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Robbie Ray.