Fernando Valenzuela vs. Kirby Yates — Career Comparison

Fernando Valenzuela built a career as a starting pitcher and Kirby Yates as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Kirby Yates led in strikeout rate (K%+ 133 vs 79), walk avoidance (BB%+ 90 vs 80), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 96 vs 91). Fernando Valenzuela held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 110 vs 75). Role difference aside, Kirby Yates holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.