The National League Cy Young Award race is heating up, with opinions and support pouring in for the top contenders. Notably, Phillies' star Bryce Harper is advocating strongly for his teammate Zack Wheeler, who has been showing consistent and remarkable performance this season.
Wheeler's Stellar Performance
Zack Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers was a testament to his exceptional form. Wheeler pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance has further enhanced his already impressive statistics, bringing his ERA down to a commendable 2.56.
Wheeler’s contributions extend beyond mere game statistics. He ranks second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His durability on the mound is significant, having thrown 14 more frames than one of his main competitors, Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves.
A Tight Race
Chris Sale continues to be a strong contender for the Cy Young Award, boasting a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler. Despite these factors, the Phillies' ace has managed to stay ahead in terms of innings pitched, showcasing not only his durability but also his essential role in the team's rotation amidst injuries and inconsistencies.
This year's recognition as a Cy Young favorite marks Wheeler's second appearance in the top five of Cy Young voting. The memory of narrowly missing out on the award in 2021 lingers, where he fell short by just 10 points to Corbin Burnes. It's a reminder of how close Wheeler has come before, further fueling the narrative of his deserving the honor this time around.
Support from Teammates and Analysts
Backing for Wheeler goes beyond just numbers. Bryce Harper, a critical voice in the sports community, has been vocal about Wheeler’s qualifications for the Cy Young Award. Harper's passionate endorsement was 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."
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also chimed in, highlighting Wheeler's pivotal role 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."
The Ace of the Phillies
Zack Wheeler’s resilience, durability, and skill on the mound have truly defined his season. More than just his statistics, Wheeler has embodied the essence of what it means to be an ace pitcher. His ability to anchor the Phillies’ rotation, even as the team faces challenges, has been crucial in their successes.
The journey for Wheeler has not been without its hurdles, but his consistent performance, leadership, and the high regard in which his peers and analysts hold him, make a compelling case for his Cy Young candidacy. As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Wheeler and Chris Sale, Wheeler's strong season and unwavering support make him a standout contender for this prestigious honor.