Jeff Samardzija vs. Dale Thayer — Career Comparison

Jeff Samardzija 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. Jeff Samardzija led in strikeout rate (K%+ 106 vs 95), home run suppression (HR9+ 95 vs 91), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 102 vs 99). Dale Thayer held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 132 vs 111). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Jeff Samardzija.