Opinions are flooding in as the National League Cy Young Award race heats up, and the spotlight is squarely on Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. Bryce Harper, Wheeler's teammate, has been an outspoken advocate for Wheeler's campaign.
"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 said, underscoring his strong belief in Wheeler's qualifications for the honor.
Wheeler's Standout Performance
Wheeler has been nothing short of exceptional on the mound this season. In his recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, Wheeler pitched seven innings, yielding just one run on four hits and striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. His performance has significantly improved his ERA, now sitting at a stellar 2.56.
Beyond these individual games, Wheeler's overall stats bolster his case for the Cy Young Award. He ranks second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This season also marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, a testament to his consistency and excellence.
Wheeler vs. Sale
The primary competition for Wheeler comes in the form of Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, making him a formidable contender. However, Wheeler has logged 14 more frames than Sale, highlighting his durability and ability to go deep into games — a crucial asset for any team.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder has been another voice supporting Wheeler's bid for the Cy Young Award. "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 pointed out, illustrating the critical role Wheeler has played in the Phillies' success this season.
Resilience and Durability
Wheeler's resilience and consistent high-quality performances have caught the eyes of many. Despite facing injuries and inconsistencies in the Phillies' rotation, Wheeler has been a steadying force. His ability to perform at a high level, even under challenging circumstances, further cements his status as an elite pitcher.
This year, the Cy Young race is particularly exciting, with both Wheeler and Sale presenting compelling cases. Wheeler's blend of resilience, durability, and pure skill on the mound might give him the edge. Harper's vocal support and Wheeler's impressive stats create a convincing narrative for his potential victory.
In 2021, Wheeler narrowly missed out on the Cy Young Award, losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. This history adds a layer of redemption to this year's race, making Wheeler's pursuit of the award even more poignant.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale. Their performances will be closely scrutinized as they vie for one of baseball's most prestigious honors. For Wheeler, winning the Cy Young Award would be a culmination of years of hard work, excellence, and a touch of vindication from narrowly missing the accolade in the past.
Regardless of the outcome, both pitchers have delivered seasons worthy of admiration. The debate over who deserves the Cy Young may continue among fans and analysts alike, but one thing is certain: Zack Wheeler has made an indelible mark on this season and his legacy in Major League Baseball.