Opinions are flooding in ahead of the announcement for the National League Cy Young Award, and Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler is gaining significant support from those within the baseball community. Teammate Bryce Harper has been particularly vocal, making a compelling case for Wheeler based on his performance this season.
Wheeler's Stellar Performance
Wheeler's latest outing against the Milwaukee Brewers was a testament to his consistent excellence on the mound. Pitching seven strong innings, Wheeler surrendered only one run on four hits, striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance brought his ERA to an impressive 2.56, a figure that speaks volumes about his command and control throughout the season.
Currently, Wheeler holds a prominent position among National League pitchers across several critical categories. He is second in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Wheeler's durability and capability to stay on the mound have been a linchpin for the Phillies, especially in a season marked by injuries and inconsistencies within their rotation.
Championing from Teammates and Analysts
Bryce Harper, known for his straightforwardness, didn't hold back his endorsement for Wheeler. "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," Harper stated emphatically.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also added his voice in support of Wheeler, underscoring the pitcher's pivotal role amid the Phillies' challenges. "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 observed, highlighting Wheeler’s importance to the team’s stability.
The Competition: Chris Sale
However, the race for the Cy Young Award is heating up, with Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves emerging as a strong contender. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, making the competition between the two pitchers even more intense. Despite these statistics, Wheeler has thrown 14 more frames than Sale, further emphasizing his reliability and endurance over the season.
A Long Time Coming
Wheeler’s continued excellence is not a recent development. This year marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, Wheeler narrowly lost out on the award to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points, a decision that still resonates with Harper and other supporters who feel he was deserving even then.
Throughout the campaign, Wheeler has exemplified resilience, durability, and sheer skill on the mound. His performance has not only anchored the Phillies' rotation but also maintained the team’s competitive edge despite the hurdles they faced. These attributes have cemented his reputation as a top-tier pitcher, with many analysts and fans believing that this might finally be his year to clinch the Cy Young Award.
As the debate rages on, the anticipation builds towards the final announcement. The narrative of the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race is compelling, centered around the remarkable performances of Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale. With staunch advocates like Bryce Harper and Matt Snyder backing Wheeler's case, it remains to be seen if the Phillies' ace will finally secure the recognition that has long been due.