The National League Cy Young Award race is heating up, and Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler is catching attention. Fans, teammates, and analysts alike are voicing their opinions, with many backing Wheeler for the prestigious accolade.
Performance Under Pressure
Leading the charge is Bryce Harper, who passionately advocates for his teammate. "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 emphasized. Harper's sentiment stems from Wheeler's consistent and dominant performances throughout the season.
A recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased Wheeler's elite skills. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56. Such numbers have kept him among the league leaders, ranking second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins.
A Resilient Competitor
Wheeler isn't new to this level of competition. This season marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, coming heartbreakingly close to winning the award in 2021 when he lost to Corbin Burnes by just 10 points. His durability and skill have been integral to the Phillies' success, even as the team battled injuries and inconsistencies in their rotation. As sports analyst Matt Snyder noted, "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."
The Main Contender
However, standing in Wheeler's path to the Cy Young is Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler this season. Despite these impressive metrics, Wheeler has logged 14 more innings than Sale, an indicator of his resilience and reliability on the mound.
The debate between the two pitchers is fierce. Both have presented compelling cases with their performances this season, making this one of the most exciting Cy Young races in recent memory. The voters will have to weigh Wheeler's consistent innings and his role as the bedrock of the Phillies’ pitching staff against Sale's statistical advantages.
The Final Push
As the season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on these two pitchers. The award could come down to a few crucial games and how each performs under the spotlight. Wheeler's track record and his importance to the Phillies give him a strong case, underscored by Harper's and Snyder's endorsements. Wheeler's journey has been marked by resilience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, making him a fitting candidate for the Cy Young Award.
The 2023 National League Cy Young Award race encapsulates the drama and excitement of baseball, highlighting the very best of pitching talent in the league. Whether Wheeler or Sale ultimately walks away with the honor, both have cemented their status as elite pitchers this season, providing fans with performances to remember.