The National League Cy Young Award discussion is heating up, as opinions continue to flood in from fans, analysts, and players alike. At the forefront of the conversation is Philadelphia Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler, whose stellar performances have garnered significant attention and support.
One of Wheeler's most ardent advocates is his teammate Bryce Harper. "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 passionately stated.
Wheeler's Impressive Season
Wheeler has continually proven his value on the mound. His recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers saw him deliver seven impressive innings, giving up just one run on four hits. Striking out six of the 24 batters he faced, Wheeler’s performance was a testament to his skill and tenacity.
As the season has progressed, Wheeler's ERA has dipped to an impressive 2.56. Moreover, he ranks highly in several key categories, sitting second in the National League for innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This consistency places him in the upper echelon of pitchers contending for the Cy Young Award.
The Battle with Chris Sale
Wheeler's primary competitor for the award is Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, making the contest a close one. However, Wheeler has the edge in durability, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale this season.
This year marks a significant milestone for Wheeler, as it’s his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. Back in 2021, Wheeler came tantalizingly close to clinching the award but lost to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. The narrow margin left many, including Bryce Harper, feeling Wheeler was unjustly overlooked.
A Pillar of Consistency
Sports analyst Matt Snyder is another voice championing Wheeler's bid for the Cy Young. "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 remarked. His insight underscores Wheeler's integral role in maintaining the Phillies' competitiveness, especially during tumultuous periods marred by injuries.
Wheeler's durability and resilience have been pivotal for the Phillies this season. His consistent performance on the mound has provided a steadying force for a team often beset by rotations challenges. The ability to thrive under such circumstances speaks volumes about Wheeler’s caliber as a pitcher.
The Resilience of a True Ace
As the debate surrounding the Cy Young Award intensifies, Wheeler’s case continues to strengthen. His robust stats and crucial contributions to the Phillies are hard to overlook. Beyond numbers, Wheeler embodies the qualities of a true ace—resilience, durability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For Phillies fans and supporters of Wheeler, the hope is that this year, their star pitcher will finally receive the recognition many believe he has long deserved. The journey to this point has been marked by exceptional performances and near-misses, but Wheeler's determination remains steadfast.
In the end, the 2023 National League Cy Young race promises to be a fascinating watch, with both Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler making compelling cases. Yet, as the season draws to a close, the echoes of Bryce Harper's emphatic endorsement and Matt Snyder’s analytical support resonate, painting a vivid picture of a pitcher who has not only earned his place in the conversation but, perhaps, the award itself.