The race for the National League Cy Young Award is heating up, and opinions are flowing strong, particularly around Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. A key advocate for Wheeler is none other than his teammate and batting powerhouse, Bryce Harper.
Harper's Vote of Confidence
"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 emphatically stated.
Wheeler has built a compelling case for himself this season. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Wheeler delivered a standout performance, pitching seven innings, giving up just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. His current ERA stands at a stellar 2.56.
Steady and Reliable
Wheeler's consistency on the mound has been nothing short of remarkable. His efforts have placed him second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His dependability is further underscored by his ability to lift the Phillies' rotation amidst injuries and inconsistencies over the past months, a point highlighted by sports analyst Matt Snyder: "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."
A Worthy Competitor
Standing between Wheeler and the prestigious Cy Young Award is Atlanta Braves' Chris Sale. Sale, who boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, is a formidable contender. However, Wheeler has logged 14 more frames than Sale this season, showcasing his endurance and commitment.
This season's performance isn't Wheeler's first time in the spotlight for the Cy Young Award. In 2021, he fell just short, losing out to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. This year, however, Wheeler aims to clinch the award, a feat that many, including Snyder, believe he richly deserves.
Wheeler's resilience, durability, and skill have been critical for the Phillies. His ability to consistently deliver top-tier performances has not only anchored his team but also kept them competitive. His recognition as a Cy Young contender for the second time underscores his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler, the baseball community watches intently. Wheeler's blend of reliability, excellence, and sheer command on the mound has made a significant impact, and for many, including his teammates and analysts, he stands out as a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.