Opinions are pouring in about who should clinch the National League Cy Young Award for the current season, and one name repeatedly emerges: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his unwavering consistency and captivating performances on the mound, Wheeler has gained significant support, not least from his teammate Bryce Harper.
Bryce Harper, a respected voice in the clubhouse and league alike, has made his stance clear. "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, echoing the sentiments of Phillies' fans and baseball analysts.
Dominant Performances
Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers further substantiated his Cy Young credentials. In a commanding performance, Wheeler pitched seven solid innings, surrendering only one run on four hits. He dispatched six of the 24 batters he faced via strikeouts, continuing to impress with his resilient and skillful play.
His ERA has gracefully dipped to an impressive 2.56, testament to his domination on the mound. Wheeler is currently ranked second in the National League across multiple critical pitching metrics, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and pitcher wins.
Stiff Competition
However, the path to the Cy Young Award is not without formidable competition. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves stands as a leading contender. While Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, the latter has the advantage of longevity. Wheeler has thrown 14 more innings than Sale, demonstrating remarkable durability and tenacity.
A Close Call in 2021
This isn't Wheeler's first brush with near Cy Young success. In 2021, he finished narrowly behind Corbin Burnes, missing out on the award by just 10 points. This continues to fuel the narrative that Wheeler is overdue for the accolade, having consistently showcased elite performance and resilience year after year.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder is among those endorsing Wheeler's suitability for the 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 commented, highlighting Wheeler's pivotal role for the Phillies. Indeed, Wheeler's ability to anchor the Phillies' rotation, despite challenges, underscores his value and leadership.
The Ace of Philadelphia
Wheeler's status as the ace of Philadelphia is undisputed. His performance has been instrumental in maintaining their competitive edge amidst the adversities faced. The team's reliance on Wheeler during crucial moments speaks volumes about his reliability and prowess on the mound.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race heats up, the contest between Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale captures the drama and excitement of baseball at its finest. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching every pitch, every inning, as the two titans compete for one of the sport's most prestigious honors.