The prestigious National League Cy Young Award always sparks intense debate, and this year is no different. As the regular season reaches its climax, opinions vary widely on who deserves the coveted prize. Among the leading voices advocating for Zack Wheeler is none other than his teammate Bryce Harper. Harper's confidence in Wheeler's candidacy is unmistakable and deeply rooted in respect for Wheeler's craft.
Wheeler's Stellar Performance
Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers epitomizes his consistency and poise on the mound. Pitching seven innings, Wheeler surrendered just one run on four hits, striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance helped lower his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Currently, Wheeler sits second in the National League in several critical pitching metrics: innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. The depth of his contributions is undeniable, showcasing not just his skill but also his durability and resilience over the course of the season.
A Tight Race with Chris Sale
Standing as Wheeler's primary rival for the Cy Young Award is Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves. Sale’s credentials are formidable, boasting a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler's. However, Wheeler maintains a distinct advantage in terms of workload, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale this season. This endurance is a testament to his physical preparedness and mental fortitude, vital traits for any elite pitcher.
This isn't Wheeler’s first brush with Cy Young consideration. He finished in the top five of voting for the second time this year. In 2021, he came tantalizingly close to the award, missing out to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. The narrow miss has only fueled his determination and supporters' conviction that his time is now.
Support from the Team
Harper's advocacy for Wheeler is fervent and unequivocal. "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 asserted, emphasizing both Wheeler’s current form and his previous achievements.
Echoing Harper's sentiments is sports analyst Matt Snyder, who also lauds Wheeler for his dependability and excellence. "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 noted. Wheeler's role as the cornerstone of the Phillies’ rotation has been indispensable, especially in a season marred by challenges.
Resilience, Durability, and Skill
Wheeler’s ascent is characterized by a blend of innate talent and unyielding perseverance. His ability to adapt and overcome adversities, maintaining top-tier performance amidst injuries and team inconsistencies, underscores his Cy Young worthiness. The Phillies have relied heavily on him, and he has consistently delivered, cementing his status as the ace of their pitching staff.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows to a contest between Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler, the narrative is compelling and rich with intrigue. Both pitchers have exhibited extraordinary prowess, yet Wheeler's resilience and sustained excellence set him apart. He embodies the qualities of a Cy Young Award winner, making a persuasive case for why he should finally receive the accolade he's long deserved.