John Smoltz vs. Erik Swanson — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Erik Swanson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Erik Swanson led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 152 vs 91), run prevention (ERA+ 130 vs 106), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 115 vs 107). John Smoltz held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 109). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Erik Swanson.