Career strikeouts or strikeouts per innings pitched Ryan has Maddux beat by a mile.
Why would Greg Maddux get considerable mention among the greatest pitchers lists while Ryan likely would not be held as in high regard?
Oh yeah, that little something called winning ball games at a high rate and getting batters out. Something Arrieta has been lights out in doing (1st in the Majors in wins and 2nd in ERA).
Oh, by the way, Arrieta is in the top 5 in baseball in wins, ERA, strikeouts, BAA, WHIP, CG, and shutouts. No other pitcher is on the top 5 in all of those categories. He's No. 1 in all of baseball in wins and No. 2 in ERA.
He's the best pitcher in baseball right now.