As the debate intensifies over the National League Cy Young Award, one name resonates strongly in the conversation: Zack Wheeler. The Philadelphia Phillies' ace has garnered significant support from fans and teammates alike, with Bryce Harper being his most vocal advocate. Harper, expressing unstinting praise, believes Wheeler's performance this year leaves no room for doubt. "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 emphatically states.
Wheeler has certainly made a compelling case for himself. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, he delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, showcasing his ability to dominate the mound. This outing helped lower his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Stellar Statistics
Beyond this standout game, Wheeler's statistics throughout the season have been exceptional. He stands second in the National League in several critical categories: innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This consistency and durability have positioned him as a frontrunner for the Cy Young Award. The measure of his work ethic and stamina is evident, having pitched 14 more innings than another notable contender, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
Competition Heats Up
Chris Sale, however, is not an easy opponent in this race. With a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, Sale's statistics also command attention. The battle between Wheeler and Sale has added an electrifying dynamic to the Cy Young Award race this season. Sports analyst Matt Snyder commented on Wheeler's critical role in his team, saying, "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."
Pivotal Role and Past Near-Misses
This season marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. Many recall 2021, when he narrowly missed the award to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. Wheeler's resilience and ability to bounce back from such close disappointments underscore his commitment and tenacity as a pitcher. His contributions have been vital for the Phillies, especially in maintaining the rotation during challenging periods marked by injuries and inconsistencies.
Wheeler’s reputation as the ace of the Phillies is not just based on his current statistics but also on his critical presence in the dugout. Known for his resilience, durability, and skill, Wheeler embodies the qualities that define an outstanding pitcher. These attributes have not gone unnoticed by the sports community, leading to widespread anticipation as the Cy Young Award race comes down to the wire.
The 2023 race for the National League Cy Young Award is shaping up to be a showdown between two of baseball's finest pitchers: Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale. As the season progresses and each pitcher continues to make their case on the mound, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the final decision. What remains clear is that Wheeler’s exceptional performances and unwavering dedication have firmly positioned him as a deserving contender for one of baseball's most prestigious accolades.