The debate over who should win the National League Cy Young Award is heating up, with many voices coming out in support of Philadelphia Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler. Advocating strongly for his teammate, Bryce Harper has made it clear who he believes should take home the honor. "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 stated emphatically.
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers only bolsters the argument. In his outing, Wheeler pitched seven solid innings, surrendering just one run on four hits. His ability to strike out six of the 24 batters he faced added another feather to his cap and brought his ERA down to an impressive 2.56.
Numbers further underline Wheeler's excellence this season. He's second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This consistency and durability are critical reasons why many view him as a front-runner for the Cy Young Award.
However, Wheeler isn't the only pitcher vying for the prestigious accolade. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves is also a strong competitor. Sale boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, making the race even more captivating. Yet, Wheeler’s durability and resilience are evident, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale over the course of the season.
This year isn't the first time Wheeler has been in the Cy Young conversation. In 2021, he narrowly missed winning the award, falling short by just 10 points to Corbin Burnes. Despite coming up short, Wheeler's performance that season laid the groundwork for what has been a stellar 2023 campaign.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder echoed Harper's sentiments, reinforcing the critical role Wheeler has played for the Phillies. "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 observed. Wheeler's ability to maintain his form and elevate his team's performance despite the adversities underscores his candidacy.
Wheeler's contributions go beyond mere statistics. His leadership on the mound has made him the cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation. Amidst injuries and fluctuations in team performance, Wheeler has remained a beacon of stability and excellence. The ace's resilience and skill have not gone unnoticed, and many, including Harper and Snyder, believe these qualities merit Cy Young recognition.
As the 2023 season unfolds, the duel for the National League Cy Young Award appears to be a two-horse race between Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler. Both pitchers have put up extraordinary numbers and showcased remarkable skills on the mound. While Sale edges Wheeler in certain metrics, Wheeler's overall contributions and his role as a workhorse for the Phillies can't be overstated.
Wheeler's journey to this point reflects a blend of talent, determination, and an unyielding work ethic. Whether or not he clinches the Cy Young Award this year, his performances have already cemented his status among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball.