As the debate intensifies over who should claim the prestigious National League Cy Young Award, one name surfaces prominently: Zack Wheeler. Prominent voices in the baseball community, including Bryce Harper and Matt Snyder, have voiced their support for the Philadelphia Phillies' ace. While the competition is fierce, particularly with Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves in contention, Wheeler’s performance and resilience this season position him as a solid candidate.
Wheeler's impressive statistics this year have not gone unnoticed. In a recent showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers, Wheeler pitched seven innings, conceding only one run on four hits. His command on the mound was evident as he struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, resulting in an ERA that has now dipped to 2.56. This stellar performance has solidified his standing among the elite pitchers in the National League.
A Strong Case for Wheeler
Numerous metrics place Wheeler near the top of the leaderboard. He is currently second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This level of consistency and endurance is what many consider quintessential for a Cy Young Award winner. Harper, a teammate of Wheeler, emphatically supports his candidacy: "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."
Tough Competition
However, the path to the Cy Young is not without obstacles. Chris Sale, a formidable contender from the Atlanta Braves, presents a significant challenge. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, showcasing his dominance throughout the season. Despite this, Wheeler has one notable advantage: he has pitched 14 more innings than Sale. This extra mileage adds to Wheeler’s argument for durability and reliability, critical traits for any pitcher vying for the Cy Young.
Aiming for Redemption
This season marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, he narrowly missed out on the award, losing to Corbin Burnes by just ten points. This close call has only fueled the desire for recognition among Wheeler's supporters, who believe he was unfairly overlooked in prior years. "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," says sports analyst Matt Snyder, highlighting Wheeler's crucial role in maintaining the Phillies' rotation amidst various challenges.
Recognition and Resilience
Wheeler's capabilities extend beyond mere statistics. His resilience and durability have been pivotal for the Phillies this season. Despite injuries and inconsistencies within the team, Wheeler has remained a steadfast force on the mound, a testament to his skill and tenacity. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, regardless of the adversities faced by the team, underscores his value.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler, the debate continues. Both pitchers have demonstrated exceptional talent and a competitive edge throughout the season. But for those within the Phillies' camp and many observers alike, Wheeler’s sustained excellence and pivotal role in leading his team through a tumultuous season make a compelling case for him to ultimately be named the Cy Young Award winner.
The coming weeks will tell whether Wheeler's commendable efforts will be recognized with the award, or if the Cy Young will find a home again with a different contender. For now, the baseball world watches and waits, with high anticipation for the final decision.