The debate over who should take home the National League Cy Young Award is intensifying, and the spotlight is shining brightly on Zack Wheeler from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Amid a season filled with stellar performances, Bryce Harper has thrown his support behind his teammate Wheeler for the Cy Young Award. Harper, an accomplished player himself, didn't mince words in his endorsement: "Yeah, I mean, he's Cy Young. It's not even a question now, just the way he's kind of throwing, the way he's been doing it all year long. He deserves it -- he deserved it three years ago, or two years ago, too, and they robbed him of it, so he deserves it this year, no doubt."
Wheeler's Stellar Performance
Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his prowess on the mound. He pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance has helped lower his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Among National League pitchers, Wheeler has established himself as a workhorse. He ranks second in the league in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Combining his durability with his skill, Wheeler has thrown 14 more frames than the Braves' Chris Sale, who is also a top contender for the Cy Young Award this season.
The Competition
Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves poses a significant challenge to Wheeler's Cy Young aspirations. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, making this race particularly tight and compelling. However, Wheeler's edge in innings pitched demonstrates his resilience and stamina on the mound, qualities that many voters may find difficult to overlook.
This season marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. His previous close call came in 2021 when he nearly captured the award but lost to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. Now in 2023, Wheeler is once again at the forefront of the Cy Young conversation, backed by consistent and dominant performances throughout the season.
Backing from Analysts
Sports analyst Matt Snyder has also voiced his support for Wheeler, highlighting his crucial role in the Phillies' rotation. "He's the ace of the best team in the league and has helped hold that rotation up through injuries and inconsistency here in the last two months," Snyder commented.
Indeed, Wheeler's presence has been a pillar for the Phillies, especially during periods of injuries and inconsistency within the team. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure is a testament to his resilience and skill on the mound.
Wheeler's Impact
Zack Wheeler is not just delivering performances worthy of individual accolades; he is also significantly contributing to the Phillies' overall success. Being recognized as the ace of the team, Wheeler has shown exceptional durability and effectiveness, qualities that make him indispensable.
The conversation around the National League Cy Young Award this year has largely been a two-player narrative between Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler. While Sale may have some statistical advantages, Wheeler's all-encompassing contributions and the trust placed in him by his team speak volumes about his candidacy for this prestigious award.
With endorsements from notable figures like Bryce Harper and analysts such as Matt Snyder, Zack Wheeler's case for the Cy Young Award is both compelling and well-supported. As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on these two pitching maestros, each vying for recognition as the National League's best.